Swiss Excellency Meets Morocco: “made in Switzerland” education and healthcare prospecting in Morocco

“Unity is strength. And if we are here today, it is to exchange, communicate and develop synergies.” Ilham Bernichi Claudet, founder of Swiss Med Office, thus set the tone for the Swiss Excellency Meets Morocco meeting held on 18 December 2018 in Casablanca. For the initiator of this first edition of the event, the aim is to launch a platform for meetings and exchanges between Moroccan and Swiss players in order to create business opportunities and share know-how.

Premium medicine

Ms Bernichi Claudet presented GENOLIER PATIENT SERVICES, the international branch of the Swiss Medical Network group, which comprises 16 clinics in the country’s three main language regions, thus offering a unique network with nearly 2,000 doctors, 3,000 staff and more than 1,000 rooms and 50,000 surgical procedures. GENOLIER PATIENT SERVICES is represented in 8 of these clinics, each with its own specialisation. GENOLIER PATIENT SERVICES has more than 150 people on its team and has more than 25 years of experience serving, among others, world-famous celebrities.

Its strong point? GENOLIER PATIENT SERVICES has one of the best medical teams in the world and the latest-generation technologies. For example, in 2016 the Clinique de Genolier became the first in the world to equip itself with the second-generation O-arm pre-operative scanner and, in 2017, with the Vereos digital PET CT, which detects tumours smaller than 5 mm, not to mention the feats of robotic surgery. But that is not all. The brand’s medical centres have practically nothing to envy exceptional hotels. Judging by the testimonials and Ms Bernichi Claudet’s presentation, the service is extremely personalised. “Everything is done to make the hospital stay a Genolier Experience,” she explains.

Over to education

Education was at the heart of the second part of the event with GLION Institute of Higher Education, which offers excellent teaching. With a list of employers and graduates recruited by the largest hotel groups, financial magnates or the most prestigious luxury brands, there is good reason to feel reassured about students’ futures. “Most young people who target our school do so with the aim of launching an international career,” says Vana Saade, Regional Director for Southern Europe and the MENA region. The “Bachelor’s” programme lasts three and a half years, including one year dedicated to students’ professional experience, alternating between theoretical courses and practical experience. That is not all. The school also offers programmes for professionals to obtain an MBA or MSc in Service or Luxury management.

At the end of the meeting, the guests expressed their interest in the topics addressed by the evening’s speakers; health and education being sectors of keen interest to Moroccans. Cost of services, admission requirements and strategy… These were among the many questions asked by the guests of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Morocco, proof of the enthusiasm of members and guests for the various subjects.

Testimonials:

Glion is here to represent Swiss excellence in the field of education, more specifically in the “hospitality” or service sector. You have to realise that the world of hospitality is no longer the same; it has changed a great deal over the last 20 years. Our graduates no longer necessarily work in hotels. They are also recruited by banks, consulting firms, leaders in the digital sector (airbnb, booking etc…), airlines or luxury brands. That is why we have programmes covering a broad spectrum of activities and disciplines. Our programmes last three and a half years (5 academic semesters and 2 internship semesters) , in order to boost our students’ professional experience. There are various career possibilities… We also have permanent contact with professionals in the sector in order to meet current needs and ensure our graduates an employability rate of around 95% upon graduation. Most of our students join us to benefit from an internationally recognised reputation, network and quality that open the doors of the world’s largest groups to them. Ghizlaine Lahrabli , Education Adviser for Morocco and Tunisia for GLION Institute of Higher Education.

If I accepted the invitation from Swiss Med Office and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Morocco, it was to present our services to Moroccan clients. We are a national and international reference in oncology, orthopaedics, general surgery and medical imaging, not to mention preventive medicine, of which we are pioneers in Switzerland. GENOLIER PATIENT SERVICES offers tailor-made support, with first-class care, thanks to cutting-edge technology, all in an exceptional hotel-like setting. I invite you to visit one of the Group’s clinics on your next trip to Switzerland Babs Siclet , CEO of GENOLIER PATIENT SERVICES.

What was presented was very interesting. However, it is clear that it is not accessible to everyone, especially the services offered by the Genolier group. I think it is important to encourage insurance companies in Morocco to develop an offer for people who would like to benefit from this type of care. Adil Gaoui , Managing Director of STOR-H Maroc

This is the first time I have attended an activity of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. The content was very rich. I came out of professional interest to develop new partnerships, but also out of personal curiosity, to get to know the Glion group better. I thank the Chamber and encourage it to develop more activities of this kind. Saad Hamoumi , Managing Director of Harvard Consulting, a firm specialising in business development

My aim was to find out the criteria for setting up such a clinic in Africa. Unfortunately, this is not planned by the group. Glion’s range of courses is very rich. The tourism sector in Africa needs young graduates from such prestigious universities to raise the level of tourism on the continent. Aurel Davy Manga , Project Officer at Africa Key Partners