Ould Abbes Challenges French Health Minister

The Minister of Health, Djamel Ould Abbes, has challenged French Secretary of State for Health, in terms of the controversial issue of debts owed by Algeria Social Insurance Fund (CNAS) to French hospitals.

Mr Ould Abbes told a press conference held Tuesday in Oran jointly with French Secretary of State for Health, Nora Berra, that “the CNAS does owe any money to French hospitals.” 

 He reiterated that he will not back off from his determination to “cleaning up” the sector from what he called as “medicines mafia.”

Ms Berra said the Algerian social insurance fund (CNAS) owes to French hospitals more than 32 million Euros, generated from medical care provided for Algerian patients. 

Mr Ould Abbes further added that “these debts don’t concern the CNAS,” saying the two parties will discuss the issue and settle it within this month. 

As for the 6000 Algerian doctors practicing in French hospitals, of whom diplomas are still not recognized by French authorities, Ms Nora Berra vowed to resolve the issue within this year. 

She further added that the two parties have sealed during her work visit a cooperation agreement on cancer treatment, organ transplantation, as well as training and technology transfer.