Health Minister Declares Digitalization Imperative for Services
Algeria's Minister of Health, Mohamed Sidiq Ait Mesoudane, has highlighted digitalization as an indispensable strategic choice for the health sector. This initiative is fundamental for developing robust prevention mechanisms, advancing scientific research, and ensuring optimal patient care. The Minister emphasized that digitalization is key to elevating the quality of public service and improving governance within the sector, while also serving as a cornerstone for promoting transparency and implementing widespread electronic medical files.
The ministry is actively monitoring digital performance indicators and the nationwide connectivity of health institutions, coordinating closely with relevant sectors. A notable achievement cited was the successful modernization of medical files for pilgrims, which facilitated access to their health data and prescribed medicines. To support this transformation, the Ministry has committed all necessary material and financial resources, including a specific additional budget dedicated exclusively to digitalization efforts. This commitment has enabled the connection of over 2355 health structures across the national territory via fiber optics, in collaboration with Algeria Telecom services.
During the second regional evaluation meeting, dedicated to the digitalization of health institutions in the central provinces, it was announced that the completion of digitalization for university hospitals is set for November 15. This meeting is part of a series of four regional gatherings covering the East, West, Central, and South provinces, aimed at accelerating progress on this vital file. Furthermore, the national system now incorporates advanced technologies, including the launch of a national telemedicine system that allows doctors and specialists to provide direct consultations to citizens in various provinces, reducing the need for long-distance travel. Remote radiology has also been adopted to facilitate the reading of medical images and the preparation of reports in remote areas.
