Akhannouch Unveils Major Healthcare Infrastructure Projects to Improve Medical Services in Essaouira

Agadir, The Gulf Observer: Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch on Monday inaugurated the Tamanar Community Hospital in Essaouira Province, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality medical services.

The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tehraoui, Governor of Essaouira Province Mohammed Rachid, elected officials, and regional, provincial, and local authorities.

During the event, the government also presented two major healthcare projects: the rehabilitation and expansion of the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Provincial Hospital Centre and the construction of a new provincial hospital in Essaouira city.

According to Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the initiatives form part of the implementation of the royal directives aimed at establishing an efficient, sustainable, and equitable healthcare system that guarantees access to high-quality medical services for all citizens.

Addressing the ceremony, Akhannouch said the government is accelerating the modernization of healthcare infrastructure while bringing essential medical services closer to communities. He emphasized the need to improve patient care, reception, and guidance, while ensuring equitable access to healthcare services across all regions in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI.

The newly inaugurated Tamanar Community Hospital has been built on an area of more than 30,000 square meters with an investment exceeding MAD 126 million (approximately $13 million). Designed to serve nearly 86,000 residents across 15 local communities, the facility will provide both primary and specialized healthcare services, reducing the need for patients to travel to distant cities for treatment.

The hospital will be staffed by 83 healthcare professionals and is expected to play a key role in reducing regional disparities in healthcare access while strengthening medical services across Essaouira Province.

During his visit, the Head of Government also reviewed progress on the rehabilitation and expansion of the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Provincial Hospital Centre. The first phase of the project, valued at more than MAD 83 million (around $8.8 million), covers over 31,000 square meters and will increase the hospital’s capacity to 167 beds.

The upgraded facility will offer expanded services in general medicine, surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, maternity and neonatal care, laboratory diagnostics, orthopedic surgery, and functional rehabilitation. The project also includes modern technical, logistical, and administrative infrastructure aimed at enhancing the quality of patient care.

Akhannouch was further briefed on plans for a new provincial hospital in Essaouira city, with construction scheduled to begin before the end of 2026. The new hospital will be built on nearly 10 hectares with a covered area of approximately 48,000 square meters and will accommodate 280 beds.

The project, estimated to cost around MAD 890 million (approximately $95 million), will feature comprehensive medical, technical, and administrative facilities, including operating theatres, emergency services, intensive care and resuscitation units, neonatology, outpatient clinics, medical imaging, laboratories, pharmacy services, and logistics support.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection said the new hospital will significantly strengthen the province’s healthcare network by providing integrated, multidisciplinary medical services and expanding access to advanced healthcare for residents of Essaouira and surrounding areas.