Hassan Boubrik, the General Director of the National Social Security Fund, recently disclosed troubling statistics surrounding the mandatory health insurance scheme established for self-employed professionals. A substantial 837,105 individuals are currently subscribed to this system, but the overall financial situation reveals significant challenges. To date, the amount due stands at an astonishing 3.7 billion dirhams, of which only 296 million dirhams has been successfully collected, signifying serious difficulties in recovering outstanding debts.
During a presentation to the Finance and Economic Development Committee in the House of Representatives, Boubrik highlighted the proactive steps taken to address the accumulating unpaid dues. Notifications have been sent to 55,158 subscribers, amounting to a total of 343 million dirhams. Among these, farmers comprise the largest group receiving alerts, with 27,490 notifications issued concerning late payments.
The situation became so pressing that the organization resorted to seizing assets owed by debtors. This method impacted 10,301 subscribers and involved a total of 62 million and 730 dirhams. Boubrik indicated that the self-employed professionals contributed significantly to the debt crisis; in fact, farmers lead the profession with 462,718 individuals racking up debts of over 2 billion dirhams, which is more than half of the total owed by all categories.
Meanwhile, artisans and traders, numbering 173,372 individuals, incurred debts amounting to 641.7 million dirhams. Not far behind, self-employed professionals total 125,237 with dues reaching 610 million dirhams, and traders count 26,337 individuals with debts exceeding 156 million dirhams.
Puzzlingly, medical professionals also play a striking role in this mounting financial predicament. A total of 17,547 subscribed practitioners are in debt to the tune of 117 million dirhams. Following these professionals are private individuals, who number 16,822 and owe 95.5 million dirhams.
Other notable sectors include legal professions with 3,610 individuals accumulating nearly 25 million dirhams in debts, while 1,191 engineers, architects, and topographers owe a total of 10.3 million dirhams. The creative fields are not exempt either, with 4,816 artists owing approximately 16 million dirhams. Even members of the press have found themselves in a bind, as about 4,000 reporters and journalists are collectively indebted by around 14.7 million dirhams.
As the financial challenges deepen, 181 athletes and sports officials together owe 673 thousand dirhams, and there are 1,187 tourist guides with debts surpassing 5.6 million dirhams. The widespread nature of this issue underscores the urgent need for effective solutions before debts spiral even further out of control.
Boubrik's presentation brings to light not only the severity of the debt matters but also highlights the demographics most affected by these financial challenges. Whether farmers, artisans, medical professionals or even artists, the data paints a worrying picture of the fiscal struggles facing numerous sectors in Morocco. This set of challenges presents a clear indication that further measures may need to be implemented in order to stabilize and improve financial stability within the National Social Security Fund and its affiliates.
With over 800,000 individuals enrolled in the health insurance scheme, actions taken in the upcoming months will be crucial. It remains to be seen how the committee and affiliated organizations will respond to this critical situation and what strategies they will employ to recover outstanding dues and support the economic well-being of those involved.
The implications of this pressing issue cannot be overstated, as how these financial matters are addressed will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping both the economic landscape and the welfare of millions dependent on the social security network.
