Overview of the healthcare system in Algeria
The Algerian health system consists of a dominant public sector, which is free for all citizens since 1974. However, a serious economic crisis at the beginning of the 1980s led to the health system progressively opening itself to more autonomy, which allowed the development of the private sector. Most of the Algerian population is covered by the health system of the country in the public sector or large public companies, which have medical-social centers that support workers and their families.
The private sector is very limited. Only a few Algerians can afford to pay out-of-pocket payments for their medical treatments, so if someone uses the private health system they will pay large amounts of out-of-pocket fees and enjoy the quality of service that only a few can afford.
What happens if you want to see a doctor?
The entire Algerian population can see doctors from the public sector for free in health centers and public hospitals. Those who have the financial means can be seen in private general hospitals. When a general practitioner notices that the patient suffers from diabetes, he sends them to a dedicated department where all the required care, testing, and analysis are carried out. This is completely free in public structures. In the private sector, the patient has to pay for care but is refunded if it is covered by the social security system, or if they have a chronic disease, but this is limited to medication only.
Who decides what medicines a doctor can prescribe?
Regulation of drugs is conducted by the Directorate of Pharmacy and Medicine, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Population. Diabetes experts decide which medicines will be prescribed. Most of the medicines to treat diabetes are produced in Algeria by public and foreign laboratories in partnership with local laboratories (like Novo Nordisk or Saidal). Doctors are free to choose which medicine they will prescribe as long as it is based on the medical records of the patient.
Practically, what is it like to live with type 1 diabetes in Algeria?
Patients can receive their medicine for free if they are insured under social security. Otherwise, they will have to buy their medication in pharmacies. Membership organizations help people obtain their medicines and glucometers. Each medicine is available in pharmacies.
Many patients, especially elderly people, face a problem during the fasting month (which corresponds to Lent) because fasting is potentially more life-threatening for them. However with adequate use of insulin and glucose monitoring, most people do just fine.
Doctors generally teach patients how to inject insulin and what the required quantities are. When it comes to children, their parents are usually taught when and how to give their children insulin. Insured people and their beneficiaries purchase insulin and other medicines for diabetes in pharmacies authorized by Social Security. Uninsured poor people are given medication by associations and social assistance centers. Those with private insurance have to buy their medicine in pharmacies.
What about getting admitted to hospital?
In every Algerian hospital, the emergency service is the entry point if you are ill, where you will then be directed to specialized services. There are also educational sessions for new diabetics.
How does diabetes care vary throughout Algeria?
There is not much variation concerning diabetes care all around Algeria. However, there are more hospitals in cities than rural areas and remote areas tend to get more rudimentary medical services. Medication should be available in every pharmacy, no matter where it is located.
A very special thank you to Lamri Larbi for providing this information, and to Léa Pruvot for translation support. Thanks to Rania Akloul for helping us update the information.
Last updated 2019