Algiers – Algeria has officially launched an electronic card program aimed at providing assistance to socially vulnerable citizens lacking social security coverage. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of National Solidarity, Family and Women’s Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, represents a significant step towards enhancing social justice and solidarity within the nation.
The e-card program is designed to streamline access to essential services, particularly healthcare, for those most in need. It embodies President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s commitment to strengthening the social fabric of Algeria and ensuring that the state actively supports its most vulnerable populations. The program’s implementation follows extensive coordination between government ministries, with the Ministry of National Solidarity taking the lead in establishing the necessary regulatory framework and operational procedures.
Minister of National Solidarity, Souria Mouloudji, emphasized the importance of the program’s regulatory foundation, noting the issuance of joint ministerial decrees that provide a practical framework for implementing Executive Decree No. 24-287. This decree focuses on providing medical care to vulnerable individuals without social security, particularly those with chronic illnesses and their dependent children. These decrees, signed by the Ministries of National Solidarity, Labor, Employment and Social Security, Health, and Finance, outline the operational procedures for local committees responsible for reviewing applications for medication assistance, emphasizing strict monitoring and regular evaluation at the provincial level.
A key feature of the program is the comprehensive list of medications available to beneficiaries, encompassing nearly 1,000 pharmaceutical products. These medications will be provided free of charge, with no restrictions on the number or value of prescriptions. The National Social Security Fund for Salaried Workers (CNAS) will oversee the program’s implementation to ensure proper monitoring and accountability.
Minister Mouloudji lauded the introduction of the electronic card as a crucial tool for effective governance, enabling precise and transparent tracking of beneficiary files. She also praised the collaborative spirit and institutional integration demonstrated by the various ministries involved, highlighting the collective commitment to improving the lives of Algeria’s most vulnerable citizens. The e-card initiative is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare and other essential services for those who need them most.
