Risk management in the context of the COVID19 crisis: The case of the University Hospital Center (CHU) Mohamed VI of Marrakech

Abstract

In times of crisis, multidimensional and interconnected risks appear. Indeed, if a risk is not managed with the most appropriate techniques, methods and tools, it can easily destroy an entire structure and system. In the context of the Covid19 crisis, we explored, through semi-directive interviews, the case of the Mohamed VI University Hospital Center (CHU) as one of the most affected public health care institutions in Morocco. In reality, the onset of a pandemic crisis was unpredictable and unimaginable, and public health care institutions had no room for error since the health and lives of citizens were at stake. They were challenged to adjust and adapt agilely and very quickly to deal with the emergency. The objective of this work is to understand and analyze how the University Hospital of Marrakech (3rd level hospital) was able to manage the different risks (psychosocial, related to decision-making, related to safety at work, related to the lack of human and financial resources, and related to the external environment) and respond to the repercussions and challenges of the crisis. Based on the results of the exploratory study, we were able to answer our main research question and develop a set of conclusions, and recommendations concerning mainly the importance of improving risk management in these hospitals (including specific techniques and tools), and developing the hospital structure, emergency mechanisms and capacities for adaptation and resilience in order to cope with internal and external pressures.

JEL Classification: G32, H12, I1

Paper type: Empirical research