Healthcare coverage and social security face challenges in Morocco and Paraguay

Recent reports highlight significant challenges in healthcare financing and coverage in Morocco and Paraguay.

In Morocco, data from the Haut-Commissariat au Plan (HCP) indicates that approximately 30.02 percent of the population lacks health insurance coverage. The report shows regional disparities, with the highest coverage in Fès-Meknès at 75.5 percent and the lowest in Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma at 62.2 percent. Furthermore, households bear a heavy financial burden, covering 59.7 percent of total health expenditures directly. For 11.3 percent of the population, these costs exceed ten percent of their total household budget.

In Paraguay, the Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) is facing intense financial pressure. Former IPS head Hugo Royg has proposed separating healthcare services from pension funds to ensure long-term sustainability, warning that current contributions cannot maintain existing service levels. Royg criticized the institution's procurement processes and financial management. IPS President Isaías Fretes has also acknowledged significant financial challenges, noting that the institution faces a substantial gap in meeting the growing demand for healthcare services.