A Visionary’s Journey from Morocco to the UK and Back
Dr. Ahmed Chekairi, a Moroccan-born anaesthetist with over two decades of experience in the United Kingdom, has embarked on an ambitious mission to revolutionize primary care in his home country. His initiative, For Better Health (FBH), is a UK-standard healthcare model designed to improve access to quality medical services across Morocco. Combining digital innovation, affordable care, and community outreach, Dr. Chekairi aims to create a sustainable healthcare system that benefits both urban and rural populations.
From Dreams to Reality
Born in Khouribga, Dr. Chekairi’s journey began at Hassan II University in Casablanca, where he started his medical studies in 1987. After completing his training at Ibn Rochd Hospital, he made a pivotal decision to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. This choice was inspired by a summer trip to London during his second year of medical school, where he visited University College Hospital and explored one of the world’s oldest libraries. That moment sparked a dream that would shape his future.
Determined to turn this dream into reality, Dr. Chekairi began learning English, using part of his university grant for language lessons. He never missed a session for five years, eventually passing the UK exams. Although he initially faced challenges due to the lack of recognition for Moroccan medical diplomas, the situation changed when Prince Charles visited Morocco, leading to official recognition of their qualifications.
Building a Career in the UK
In 1996, Dr. Chekairi moved to the UK, where he spent the next seven years training in anaesthesia and intensive care at Oxford University Hospitals. He became one of the first Moroccans to complete the entire program in Oxford. Over the following 25 years, he worked within the National Health Service (NHS), serving in hospitals across Northampton, Winchester, and Manchester. His career included leadership, education, and research roles, culminating in a hospital consultant position after earning a master’s degree in management.
Shifting Focus: A New Mission
In 2008, Dr. Chekairi took on the role of a hospital consultant, balancing multiple responsibilities. However, his focus gradually shifted towards a new vision: transforming healthcare delivery in Morocco. In 2018, he founded For Better Health, initially as a training and consultancy venture. Despite limited uptake, he decided to take matters into his own hands, launching the company’s first medical centre in Mohammedia in 2024.
The FBH Model: A Community-Centric Approach
The FBH medical centre in Mohammedia offers integrated care based on UK standards, focusing on family medicine and primary care. It provides a wide range of services, including consultations, blood tests, ultrasounds, ECGs, and treatment for minor procedures. Dr. Chekairi emphasizes the importance of a system where patients can receive care close to home, reducing the burden on hospitals and making healthcare more accessible and economical.
Affordability remains a core principle of FBH. While the initiative is private, it offers discounts through associations and provided free care during its early months. Public health outreach is also a major component of the project, with initiatives focused on promoting measles vaccination, prenatal care, and health awareness sessions.
Embracing Digital Innovation
FBH is fully digital and paperless, offering patients lifelong health files and generic prescriptions to reduce costs. Dr. Chekairi believes these practices will eventually be mandated by the Ministry of Health. The model is designed to be scalable, with plans to expand to urban and rural areas across Morocco.
Balancing Two Worlds
Despite his focus on Morocco, Dr. Chekairi continues to commute between London and Morocco, balancing advanced surgical care in the UK with community health efforts in his home country. He finds inspiration in the contrast between caring for one patient at a time in the UK and impacting an entire community in Morocco.
A Lasting Legacy
As he approaches the final stage of his career, Dr. Chekairi is fully committed to leaving a lasting healthcare legacy in Morocco. He sees For Better Health as the culmination of his professional life, a project built on the experience and knowledge gained over the years. His vision is not just to provide healthcare but to transform how communities access and receive medical care.
