Algeria Strengthens Occupational Health Rules for Healthcare Workers with Mandatory Medical Screening and Vaccination
Algeria’s Ministry of Health has introduced stricter occupational health regulations requiring mandatory pre-employment medical examinations, periodic health assessments and compulsory vaccinations for healthcare personnel as part of broader efforts to improve workplace safety and safeguard the continuity of healthcare services.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Algeria’s Ministry of Health has introduced new occupational health measures requiring mandatory medical examinations and expanded vaccination coverage for healthcare professionals before they assume their duties, reinforcing workplace safety standards across the country’s public health system.
The measures, outlined in Instruction No. 21 of 26 July 2026, strengthen the implementation of legislation governing occupational medicine and the prevention of workplace hazards in healthcare institutions, according to the ministry.
Under the new rules, every employee must undergo a compulsory medical examination before recruitment and prior to officially taking up their post.
The instruction also establishes enhanced medical surveillance for healthcare professionals, who are regarded as particularly exposed to occupational risks. As a minimum requirement, healthcare workers must undergo a medical examination every six months, alongside any additional diagnostic tests deemed necessary according to the specific risks associated with their duties.
The ministry has further made medical clearance mandatory before employees resume work following sick leave, occupational accidents, occupational diseases, maternity leave, or any prolonged or repeated period of absence. The objective is to ensure that employees are medically fit to return to work while safeguarding both their own health and the safety of colleagues and patients.
In addition, no public healthcare employee may be transferred or assigned to a new position without first completing a medical fitness assessment confirming their suitability for the requirements of the new role.
The instruction assigns a central role to occupational physicians, who will be responsible for evaluating working environments, identifying occupational hazards and recommending appropriate preventive measures. Their assessments must also be considered whenever workstations require modification or adaptation to meet health and safety requirements.
Provincial Health and Population Directorates (DSPs) have been tasked with overseeing the implementation of occupational medicine programmes throughout healthcare institutions. Their responsibilities include ensuring that pre-employment examinations, routine medical assessments, return-to-work evaluations and job fitness examinations are conducted in accordance with the new regulations.
The directorates will also monitor key occupational health indicators, including the number of medical examinations conducted, medical fitness decisions and vaccination coverage rates, while regularly submitting activity reports to the Ministry of Health.
Mandatory Vaccination Programme
The instruction also strengthens preventive vaccination requirements for healthcare personnel exposed to infectious risks.
Vaccination against hepatitis B has become compulsory for all healthcare professionals and trainees whose duties involve potential exposure to infectious diseases.
Mandatory immunisation against tetanus and diphtheria has likewise been introduced for categories of staff whose professional activities warrant such protection.
In addition, the ministry recommends annual seasonal influenza vaccination for all healthcare workers as part of broader efforts to reduce occupational health risks within medical facilities.
The new framework forms part of Algeria’s wider strategy to strengthen occupational medicine, enhance workplace safety standards and improve the protection of healthcare personnel, while supporting the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services in a safer professional environment.
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