Thanks to swift measures taken by the Moroccan authorities in the early days of the pandemic, the country was able to effectively contain the virus in its first phase. A relatively young population also meant it was less likely to face the high death rates witnessed, for example, in neighbouring European countries. Public and private sector mobilisation helped the country meet its public health needs, from testing and tracking, to the provision of medical gear, equipment and infrastructure. However, the pandemic has also exposed some of the sector’s long-standing challenges, including human resource shortages, urban-rural disparities and inadequate public spending. It has also stressed the importance of strengthening local supply chains in light of disruptions to international trade, which resulted in raw materials shortages in strategic industries like pharmaceuticals. Looking ahead, enhanced research and development, as well as digitalisation, are some of the key areas expected to drive the sector’s recovery and strengthen its foundations.
Read More from OBG
