A new electronic card program has been launched to provide free medication to socially vulnerable and uninsured citizens. The initiative aims to protect and support the most fragile segments of the population by ensuring access to essential medicines.
The launch event, held at the Centre Familial Ben Aknoun, was overseen by the Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security, Abdelhak Saihi, and the Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women’s Issues, Souria Mouloudji.
Minister Saihi emphasized that the electronic card represents a sovereign step towards consolidating the social state through digitalization. He stated that this measure reflects a clear political will to place the individual at the heart of public policies, enshrining the right to health, treatment, and medication as a fundamental constitutional right. He added that Algeria, since the President assumed office, has witnessed profound social reforms and historic decisions that have restored the importance of the social state, ensuring comprehensive care for citizens without discrimination by allocating considerable financial and human resources to guarantee free treatment and support the health system.
The electronic card, according to the Minister, embodies a modern public policy based on digitalization, transparency, and equal opportunities. It contributes to eliminating bureaucracy, preserving the dignity of citizens, and ensuring that medicine reaches those who need it directly and effectively. This initiative is part of a comprehensive reform process aimed at reducing social disparities, strengthening national solidarity, and building a strong state based on justice, modernity, and humanitarian values, true to its national principles.
Minister Mouloudji highlighted that the card specifically targets vulnerable individuals without social security coverage, particularly those suffering from chronic diseases, as well as their dependent minor children. A joint ministerial decree outlines the list of medications covered, encompassing approximately one thousand pharmaceutical substances, corresponding to around five thousand pharmaceutical brands. Beneficiaries are guaranteed 100% coverage, regardless of the value of the prescriptions. The process will be monitored and supervised by the National Social Security Fund for Salaried Workers.
The Ministry of Solidarity previously stated that eligible individuals can submit their applications through the social affairs department of their municipality of residence. These applications are then forwarded to a committee at the Directorate of Social Action and Solidarity for the province, which is responsible for reviewing and deciding on the applications within a specified timeframe.
