Healthcare financing in Morocco on the path towards universal health coverage: a protocol for a scoping review.

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>All countries around the world have been encouraged to implement universal health coverage, emphasising its essential role in global health policy. Morocco has long been part of this international movement. Several health reforms have been implemented over the years, significantly improving the health status of the population and service coverage. However, several gaps continue to hinder the expected results. The current health financing model in Morocco is one of the main persistent challenges. It remains largely dependent on out-of-pocket expenditure, with no significant change since 1997/1998. This situation contributes to restricting access to care for low-income individuals, thereby exacerbating inequalities. In this context, the objective of this scoping review is to map the literature on health financing functions in the context of progress toward universal health coverage in Morocco.<h4>Methods and analysis</h4>This scoping review protocol was developed following the best practice guidelines for scoping study protocols from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review Methodology Group. The final study will be reported in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping studies. Relevant databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS and Google Scholar will be searched for articles published in English and French between 2005 and 31 January 2026. Additionally, government reports, technical reports and policy and institutional documents from grey literature will be included. We will include all interventions that address the implementation of health financing approaches aimed at achieving universal health coverage in Morocco. Article selection will be conducted by pairs of independent reviewers. Data extraction will also be performed by two independent reviewers. A narrative and thematic approach will be used to synthesise the findings.<h4>Ethics and dissemination</h4>It should be noted that formal ethical approval is not required, as no patients will be involved in the process. The results of this scoping review will be prepared and submitted for presentation as conference presentations and published in the form of a peer-reviewed article.