Some 9,000 Moroccan kidney patients need dialysis or transplant

Some 9,000 people suffering from kidney diseases, including 80% poor persons, need dialysis or transplant, said Moroccan Health Minister Abdelouahed El Fassi.

The minister, who was addressing the opening of a scientific conference held on November 3 - 6 on rectal pathology and renal failure, said medical equipment and facilities are very costly and funds needed for their operation are also very high and are evaluated at around $13,000 annually for each patient.

He added that the Ministry of Health is endeavoring to make health insurance compulsory for all wage-earners and to set forth a medicare system for poor patients.