Algeria has no debt to French hospitals, says minister

Work minister Mohamed Ghazi Thursday said a financial conflict between Algeria and France about medical expenses indemnity was settled. The government does not owe French hospitals any money.

“Algerian social security owed money was paid for Paris’ hospitals and the conflict was settled. From now on, the social security fund will deal with its French counterpart and not with hospitals,” said the minister.

“French social security should fix appointments for Algerian patients at French hospitals to avoid mistakes because we noted many questions about this issue,” he added.

He also said Algeria and France agreed on making a “better future” in terms of social security cooperation.

French minister of social affairs, health and women’s rights Marisol Touraine talked about the “quality of exchanges between the two ministries, saying the conflict was settled.

“The quality of exchanges between us let us realized that the issue was very difficult and was tackled as part of our relations. France and Algeria look forward the future positively,” she added.

She also said an agreement on social security will be signed by the two countries.

“We agreed to avoid any debts in the future,” she added.

Ghazi in on a visit to France to enhance cooperation as part of strategic partnership program 2013-2017 set up between Algeria and France in 2012.