President Bouteflika needs short convalescence, says doctor

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is a human being and he is exposed to health problems. He is doing well now, his doctor Rachid Bougharbal told Echorouk in an interview.

How is the president’s health condition?

I talked to him, 30 minutes ago. He is doing well. Everything is normal and stable.

It is said that the president underwent a surgery. Is it true?

The president was not paralyzed. He suffered a stroke and he did not undergo any surgery. He is doing well.

You were the first who examined the president before he had been taken to France. How did you find him?

He suffered a stroke and could neither move nor talk. We treated him. Once he managed to talk and move, he asked about his family’s members.

What are the reasons behind the stroke?

The stroke was due to fatigue and heavy responsibility on the president’s shoulder. He has many missions.

A debate has been raised about Article No 88. Is the president able to exercise his prerogatives?

This is a political question and I am not a politician.

Does the president’s health state enable him to exercise his missions?

The president is doing well. Many presidents in the world fell ill and they did not raise any controversy. French President Chirac suffered a similar stroke and even Sarkozy.

How many days does convalescence require?

A few days.

How many days exactly?

I say: days and not months. He needs few days to recover. He can leave the hospital provided he is under medical care.

Why was the president taken to France?

He would not have been taken to Val-De-Grâce hospital if we had necessary means to treat blood circulation. A total of 50 percent of 400 similar cases were treated in France because we do not have means.

Who decided to take the president abroad?

The medical staff did. We told the president it was necessary to go to France to complete the treatment.

Is possible that the president would suffer another stroke?

The president needs convalescence. The medical staff works on preventing any similar stroke.

Did you contact the medical staff in France?

Yes, we did and they said he is doing well.

Would you say something to reassure Algerians?

The president is doing well and he is recovering.