DZWatch Exclusive: A professional dispute has erupted between the Algerian Union of Medical Analysis Laboratories (SALAM) and the National Union of Private Pharmacists regarding the authorization to conduct medical tests.
SALAM issued a statement yesterday emphasizing that, according to current national legislation, performing biological medical examinations is exclusively limited to legally accredited laboratories. The statement cited Article 251 of Law No. 18-11 concerning health, which states that only medical biology and pathological anatomy laboratories are authorized to perform examinations that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of human diseases, or that reveal any other changes in patients’ physiological condition.
The union argues that these legal provisions explicitly exclude the possibility of conducting biological tests within pharmacies, treatment rooms, or any other non-accredited facility. Furthermore, SALAM highlighted that medical biology laboratories ensure effective national health coverage, extending to even the most remote regions of the country, including Adrar, Djanet, and Bordj Badji Mokhtar.
SALAM further stated that this interpretation was clearly and decisively confirmed during a meeting held at the Ministry of Health on October 12, 2023. Experts appointed by the ministry allegedly agreed that no biological medical examinations should be conducted outside legally accredited laboratories. The union claims this position was officially supported by a representative of the National Council of Pharmacists and the Director of Organization at the Ministry of Health, as evidenced by the minutes of the meeting, a copy of which SALAM possesses.
However, the National Union of Private Pharmacists countered, asserting that the right to conduct medical tests within pharmacies has been established since 1976 and cannot be revoked by a statement or declaration. The pharmacists’ union claims that the October 2023 meeting cited by SALAM was adjourned by the chair due to a participant’s alleged disrespect towards ministry officials and a departure from proper dialogue. The dispute remains unresolved, and DZWatch will continue to monitor developments.
