Diagnostic Imaging in Marrakech

Diagnostic imaging, also known as medical imaging, describes a variety of techniques to look inside the body to diagnose the cause of an injury or illness, as well as to find any signs of a health condition. It is also used to see how well your body responds to treatment for an illness or fracture. 

Many diagnostic imaging tests are noninvasive and painless. Some tests use a small amount of radiation exposure. Some require you to remain still inside a machine for a long time, which may cause little discomfort. 

Other diagnostic tests involve the insertion of a small camera attached to a thin, long tube (often referred to as a “scope”) into your body. These types of diagnostic tests are invasive and require anesthesia.

Some of the most common types of diagnostic imaging tests are as follows:

• X-ray is among the most well-known diagnostic imaging tests. It generates images that allow your doctor to see if there is any damage or injury to the bones.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, also known as “cat scan,” is a test that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles. It is often used to quickly examine people who could have internal injuries. It can help doctors evaluate the brain, spine, abdomen, chest, and neck.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet to obtain an image of the body instead of radiation. It is most commonly used to examine spinal cord and brain anomalies, joint abnormalities, and tumors.
• Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is most commonly used to examine a fetus during pregnancy. However, it can also be used to examine a wide range of body parts, including the heart, joints, and bladder.
• Mammography is a type of x-ray image of the breast. It can be used to check for early breast cancer signs that cannot be felt through the use of a low-dose x-ray.
• A diagnostic biopsy is the main method doctors use to diagnose most types of cancer. It involves the removal of a piece of tissue or cell sample to be analyzed in a laboratory.

• Endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy involve the insertion of a thin, flexible scope with a video camera attached to its end through a passageway or bodily opening to look at the inside of a particular organ, such as the colon or the lungs.

How Long Should I Stay in Marrakech?

You can usually leave the hospital straight away after diagnostic imaging tests. However, it is advisable that you stay in Marrakech for 5 to 7 days to wait for the results. Once the results are ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor explains the results and discuss the treatment plan, if needed.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Most diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound and CT scan, do not require any recovery time. However, you may need to take one or two days off work and avoid strenuous activities for several days after some types of diagnostic biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and colposcopy.

What Aftercare is Required?

There is usually no special aftercare or restrictions after diagnostic imaging tests. You may be advised to drink plenty of water immediately after, especially if contrast was used. If the procedure is invasive, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for the wounds. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnostic imaging tests have high success and accuracy rates. The continuous improvement and advancement of diagnostic imaging technology have transformed healthcare, allowing for earlier diagnosis of many medical conditions, reduces the need for invasive processes. The side effects of diagnostic imaging tests are very minimal, such as slight discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising.

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to diagnostic imaging. It is vital for the diagnosis of medical conditions, allowing your doctor to decide the best treatment or management plan.

Diagnostic Imaging in and around Marrakech

About Marrakech

Located to the north of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco. Found nearly a thousand years ago, this city is where Africa, the Middle East, and Europe fuse into one. It is widely known as the red city because of its famous red walls, alleys, and plazas. The city offers a rare opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in culture, where modern and ancient merge in a perfect balance. Just like many Moroccan cities, the medina in Marrakech is too beautiful to be missed. 

Marrakech has the perfect environment for relaxing and rejuvenating, which is one of the reasons why many medical tourists seek health treatments in this beautiful red city.  The medical facilities in the city offer outstanding quality with the latest technology and a wide range of treatments. Healthcare in this city is considerably cheaper than in Western countries and many people are also attracted to Marrakech because it is known to excel in modern plastic surgery. The most sought-after procedures are liposuction, nose jobs, breast lifts, and ear surgery. Other treatments such as dental care, spa, and wellness are also popular.

Popular Areas in Marrakech

This exotic city has everything for everyone, whether you want to indulge in its culture and history or have a luxurious and modern vacation.

• Djemaa El Fna is the most famous square in Morocco that attracts tourists from all around the globe. Often referred to as the heart of Marrakech, the square is a thrilling place to go shopping and get a closer look into the Moroccan culture. However, the real excitement starts when the sun sets and the square is transformed into an Arabian fantasy. It will be filled with fortune tellers, snake charmers, monkeys, and musicians, making it an interesting place to have fun and experience new things. 
• Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is the largest madrasa in Morocco and one of the most important in North Africa. Built around 500 years ago, the Quranic learning center still retains its splendid beauty. It is said that up to 900 students have lived in the building to study law and theology. In 1960, it was turned into a museum and one of the most popular sights in Marrakech. Tourists can enjoy a striking view of architecture and decoration as its wall and columns have astonishing carvings, the large patio is made of marble, and the inner courtyard is decorated with mosaics.
• Musée Yves Saint Laurent is a must-visit for any fashion enthusiast and the museum exhibits selected masterpieces of haute couture clothing and accessories made by the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from 1962 until his retirement in 2002. Designed by Studio KO, the building itself is impressive with terracotta brick and earthen-colored terrazzo. The museum consists of a 150-seat auditorium, bookstore, a research library, and a terrace café.
• The Bahia Palace means brilliance in Arabic and it is a fascinating well-preserved historical site in Marrakech. It consists of a palace and a set of gardens which was built in the late 19th century. The building perfectly captures the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style.

Weather and Climate in Marrakech

Marrakech mostly experiences a hot semi-arid climate. Spring starts in March and ends in May, with flowers blossoming and the temperature is between 15 °C at the lowest and 28 °C at the highest, spring is one of the best times to visit the city. If you’re planning to visit during this season, note that April and May have occasional rain showers. June to August are the summer months which can get extremely hot and the average temperature is around 26 °C to 30 °C, but it can increase to 36.8 °C. It is best to stay in the shade from noon to 3.00 PM when the sun is at its hottest. 

The temperature will slowly decrease in the Autumn months of September to November. This season is also one of the best seasons to travel and have some outdoor adventures in the red city. Although the summer is remarkably hot, the winter in Marrakech is cold as the temperature sometimes plummets to 6 °C. This season runs from December to February and it is also the wettest season as rain is most predominant in December.

Getting Around in Marrakech

The main international airport serving Marrakech is the Marrakesh Menara International Airport. The airport operates domestic and international flights. It has two passenger terminals in one large building that serve flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air provides affordable options to travel to and from the red city.  

Taxis are widely available throughout the city. It is also one of the most efficient and flexible ways to get to the main sites and there are two kinds of taxis in the city. The Grand taxis are old Mercedes cars that can carry up to six people and have a specific route with a fixed fare. Tourists can find the grand taxis at the bus station or Djemaa el Fna. Petit taxis are a private taxi, and the drive will take you anywhere. These taxis are metered and can be a little more expensive than the grand taxis. There are drivers who do not use the meter so you should bargain or ask the driver to switch the meter on before you get into one.

Buses are the most inexpensive way to get around. Tourists can find them in the central bus station of Place El Mouarabitene, and most buses will stop at the Djmaa el Fna. Tourists can pay the fare directly to the driver. If you want a more traditional and interesting way to get around, you can opt for the caliche and it is a horse-drawn carriage with a fixed price for the most common routes. 

Tourist Visas in Marrakech

There are around 66 countries granted visa-free access to Morocco for up to 90 days, including the European Union, Australia, China, Russia, and the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Mali do not require a visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization in advance. It is best to always check the current regulations at the nearest Moroccan Embassy or Consulate before applying for a visa.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and the exchange rate from 1USD is 9.70 MAD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found all over the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in top-end restaurants and hotels. Tipping can be obligatory sometimes. 
3. Local Language: Modern Standard Arabic and Berber is the official languages and French is widely spoken. English is not common but there will be people who can speak English especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The majority of the population follows Islam. There are also people who follow Christianity, Judaism, and Baha’i Faith.
5. Public Holidays: Islam religious holidays such as Islamic New Year and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated in Marrakech.