In a recent report, Morocco’s healthcare fund faces potential bankruptcy by 2027, with the main culprit being the increasing number of chronically ill patients draining the reserves. Chief among these costs are patients with diabetes, hypertension, and kidney failure, consuming a disproportionate amount of the national health care fund due to poor dietary habits.
To combat this issue, a proposed sugar tax aimed to reduce the consumption of sugary products and incentivize healthier choices. Despite facing strong opposition from lobbyists and industry representatives, the tax was eventually approved and extended to cover a wider range of products.
Moreover, efforts to reduce sugar subsidies have been stalled by lobbyists, who argue it would harm domestic producers. Now, the focus shifts to aligning nutritional standards with the EU and promoting healthier eating habits, supported by key players like the Moroccan Association for Diabetes and Obesity and the WHO.
Despite some progress, challenges remain in combating excessive sugar consumption, with public health campaigns needing to be strengthened against aggressive marketing tactics. The Health Ministry’s lack of involvement in legislative discussions adds a layer of complexity to the issue, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address the growing health crisis in Morocco.
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