🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Celiac disease patients in Morocco face high gluten-free costs and limited support
via Le Matin3 min read
Celiac disease patients in Morocco are struggling with the high cost of gluten-free products and insufficient public health support, despite the condition's high prevalence in the Kingdom. Amine Tehraoui, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, acknowledged the challenges during a session at the House of Councillors on April 21, 2026, highlighting the chronic nature of the disease and the expensive dietary regimen it requires. He noted that mandatory health insurance covers diagnosis, biological tests, medical follow-up, and complication treatment. The Minister also mentioned potential improvements, including early diagnosis, optimized care pathways, and coordination with stakeholders to explore additional support mechanisms for vulnerable groups. The High Authority for Health is currently evaluating the inclusion of celiac disease and gluten-free products in the reimbursement basket, considering medical efficacy, cost, and public health impact. Dr. Khadija Moussayer, Vice-President of the Moroccan Association of Gluten Intolerant and Allergic Individuals AMIAG, views these announcements as encouraging but insufficient. She points out that celiac disease is not recognized as a long-term condition, which limits patients' access to near-full reimbursement for care. The primary obstacle remains the cost of gluten-free foods, which can be up to ten times more expensive than conventional alternatives, with no reimbursement for these vital expenses. Associations advocate for
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