BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The development plan for Algeria’s healthcare sector is anchored on two pillars: the realization of healthcare infrastructure projects and prevention measures. This was underscored by the latest remarks from Minister of Health Abdelhak Saïhi, who inaugurated the national week of healthcare prevention in the Boumerdès province.
Saïhi commended the efforts of healthcare personnel in serving patients, aligning with the commitments of the President of the Republic in this domain. He emphasized that these commitments have materialized, evidenced by the results achieved in 2023, particularly in a sector as challenging as public infrastructure for healthcare.
The minister stressed the paramount importance of preventive culture, labeling it as a “fundamental issue.” Saïhi announced the reintroduction of preventive medicine and epidemiological disease services as needed across the entire national territory.
Prevention-Based Approach
Saïhi’s statements confirm a new approach centered on preventing health risks rather than reacting to costly public emergencies. Algeria aims to focus its efforts upstream to mitigate public health risks, soon to be supported by a legal framework through the ongoing study of a draft law on prevention and health risks.
The experience from the recent Covid-19 crisis highlighted the imperative of preventing such situations to avoid the need to endure them when they occur.
This year’s healthcare prevention week, themed “A Healthy Lifestyle for All,” is being held in Boumerdès from April 15 to 21. Saïhi recalled the results from last year’s edition, held in March 2023, which contributed to raising awareness within society regarding harmful behaviors and dietary habits, such as excessive sugar consumption.
Saïhi cited statistics showing a 50% decrease in sugar consumption compared to the previous year, mentioning collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Commerce to reduce sugar levels in carbonated drinks and revise meal preparations in canteens to prioritize vegetables over sugary foods.
630 Healthcare Infrastructures Completed Since 2021
In addition to prevention, Saïhi emphasized the importance of having healthcare infrastructure to support development efforts in the healthcare sector. He noted that 630 healthcare infrastructure projects have been completed since 2021, including in remote areas in the southern regions of the country.
Saïhi predicted a future as a healthcare hub for the Boumerdès province, given its existing infrastructure. During the healthcare prevention week in Boumerdès, the minister inspected the construction project of a hospital with a capacity of 240 beds in the provincial capital.
The modern hospital, nearing completion, will house several services including cardiology, ENT surgery, and pediatrics. A maternity ward and a neonatal unit are also planned. Additionally, Saïhi instructed the allocation of a service for cancer control in the new hospital in Boumerdès.
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