The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has rolled out the «Riaya 2025-2026» initiative, aimed at delivering essential healthcare services to communities impacted by the cold wave. This endeavor is a key component of the National Plan to Mitigate the Effects of the Cold Wave. Running from November 15, 2025, to March 30, 2026, the operation spans 31 provinces across 8 regions. Specifically, it includes 4 provinces in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region (Chefchaouen, Ouezzane, Larache, and Al Hoceima) and 7 provinces in the Oriental region (Figuig, Taourirt, Driouch, Oujda-Angad, Jerada, Guercif, and Berkane), according to a ministry statement. The initiative also covers the provinces of Beni Mellal, Azilal, and Khenifra in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, along with Midelt, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Zagora, and Errachidia in the Draa-Tafilalet region. Moreover, the provinces of Boulemane, Sefrou, Ifrane, Taza, Taounate, and El Hajeb in the Fes-Meknes region, the provinces of Taroudant and Chtouka Aït Baha in the Souss-Massa region, as well as Al Haouz and Chichaoua in the Marrakech-Safi region, and Khemisset in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region, are also part of this operation. The primary goal of this initiative is to effectively address the healthcare needs of populations residing in cold-wave-affected and remote rural areas by offering accessible health services. The operation ensures the availability of human resources, equipment, medicines, and medical products, along with logistical support at 523 health centers situated in cold-wave-affected regions. The plan includes conducting 3,528 field visits by mobile medical units to isolated areas and population hubs, organizing 183 specialized medical caravans, and facilitating mini-campaigns. The ministry has mobilized 2,817 health professionals, encompassing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and administrative staff. This mobilization is reinforced by various biomedical equipment and resources, alongside the deployment of mobile health units and ambulances. Regarding medicines and health products, an extraordinary financial allocation of 11.32 million dirhams will be provided by the ministry's central services, supplementing the annual budget designated for the provinces. An additional 2.582 million dirhams will be allocated for fuel and maintenance expenses.
