Mental health and human rights in Morocco: The urgent need for new policy

Introduction All over the world, there is global emergency when it comes to respecting human rights in providing good mental health services. Morocco as an African and a developing country has always had a mental health policy defined by several glitches and failures, which had not helped him improve its mental health services quality. Nevertheless, huge improvements were achieved through time. Objectives This report, aims to draw attention on how compulsory it is to think and act all together to promote mental health and provide patients with better health services in Morocco. Methods The National Human Rights Council conducted an information and investigation mission in Morocco's main mental health hospitals and facilities between March 27 and July 6, 2012. Results Structures are insufficient and inadequate in terms of geographical distribution, architecture and equipment. There is a big shortage of medical and paramedical staff and little interest is given to vulnerable groups. Nevertheless, huge improvements have also been achieved through time with mental health issues becoming a cornerstone of the ministerial program, the involvement of the NGOs, the construction of newer facilities, the implementation of an information gathering system and the presence of a substance use policy. Conclusion Psychiatry in Morocco has come a long way since it was firstly implemented in the country as a medical specialty. Undoubtedly, a lot has been done but much more remains to be achieved. The current situation requires relevant actions and that clearly includes the implementation of a new mental health policy and the update of the legal framework.