Half of the Algerian doctors do not use computers in their cabinets

The chairman of the Algerian Academy of Doctors Bekkat Berkani has indicated that the main problem impeding the generalization of the use of a “ Chifa” card in the contractual system lies in the fact that 50 % of the operating doctors across do not posses computers in their cabinets and card readers.

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• He considers that the generalization of this system will help the Algerian authorities reduce health expenditures and guarantee the rights of the insurance contributors and the private doctors as well as the public health institutions.
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• The Algerian authorities have started a pilot project five years ago in five provinces namely: Oum Al Bouaki, Annaba, Tlemcen, Medea and Boumerdes pending the generalization of the system nationwide.
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• The first stage of the program will include chronic diseases- hit people, the retired and disabled ones, the Algerian Pharmacists Union Secretary General, Messaoud Belaameri has indicated. 700 thousands cards out of 7 millions insured were used to cover this category of people, awaiting the extension of this experience to the other insured leaving in the five provinces by the return to work.
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• The number of Algerians that benefit from “ Chifa” card is estimated at 20 millions including 7 million active ones while 13 millions are those who benefited from the authorities’ help. The French firm ” Axalto” was chosen as part of an international call for tender launched by the Algerian Fund for Social Security with a total value of 16 million Euros.
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• The last stage of the operation, Messaoud Belaameri has revealed to Echorok, will consist in extending the use of this card to the rest of the insured people across the country and stop dealing with the old system.
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•  M Belaameri has indicated that the National Social Security Fund has started compiling data related to the list of the refund medicines and the rates and posted them on the internet considering the move as a positive step in the process of the generalization of the use of this card.
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• However, he has indicated that the subsidizing policy of the generics and domestically produced medicines followed by the government is doomed to fail if it sticks on its position to deny the rise of the profit margin.
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