Ould Abbas: “686 specialist doctors unemployed while 3000 jobs are vacant”

Algeria counts 686 specialist doctors suffering unemployment, while hospitals created 3000 jobs to cover the medical deficit estimated at 5000 doctors due to migration of 10.000 doctors, including 7.000 residing in France, Health Minister Djamel Ould Abbas says.

“Initial reports about the deficit in the number of doctors across the country’s hospitals show that 686 specialist doctors suffer unemployment, while hospitals created 3000 jobs for doctors and hired them immediately in order to cover the medical deficit, estimated, according to reports by Health and Interior Ministries and governors of republic, to 4.400 doctors representing the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics (25% of the total deficit)”, the minister added during his visit to Boumerdes ( east of Algiers).

“150 specialist doctors were hired at the national hospital since the beginning of 2011. The current deficit will be covered gradually through encouraging specialist doctors to join the new 3000 jobs created in various specialties and hospitals of the internal localities which suffer a large deficit in the number of doctors. We promise to improve the socio professional conditions of doctors, especially those wishing to work in internal, southern and isolated areas”, he asserted.

“Six executive decrees were signed by the PM during the first five months to answer various demands and concerns of health sector, starting with the basic law of Paramedics, Midwives, and Practitioners of Public Health, including Doctors, Pharmacists, Dentists and Biologists. There should be a preparation of countervailing laws and consideration of wages in health sector”.