he health ministry launched on Thursday the 2018-2019 Riaya (Care) operation to ensure health coverage for inhabitants living in zones affected by the cold wave and snowfall. Launched pursuant to the instructions of King Mohammed VI, this operation will be held from November 15th to March 30th with the aim of ensuring health services in these regions, in accordance with the guidelines of the Health 2025 Plan, mainly in relation with the strengthening of primary health care facilities and the network of medical and social establishments. Speaking at a ceremony held in Rabat on this occasion, Health Minister Anas Doukkali surveyed the measures taken by his department, stressing that this operation targets 28 provinces in 7 regions, with the aim of guaranteeing a better medical care for people living in remote areas, through community health services and strengthening basic health, preventive and awareness-raising services provided at the health centers. In order to carry out this operation, measures have been taken to ensure the availability of human resources, equipment and means of transportation at the 360 health centers located in the areas concerned, with the goal of conducting 4,248 field visits by mobile medical units, he explained. 163 specialized medical caravans will be organized, in addition to the setting up of a coordination system between mobile medical units, provincial emergency system and these caravans, he added, saying that the Ministry will mobilize 2,478 health professionals as well as bio-medical equipment and medical laboratories. He concluded by saying that the Ministry has earmarked the budget of 5 million dirhams for medicines and medical equipment and 800,000 dirhams for the maintenance of mobile units.
