ALGIERS-The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed Sunday State’s determination to deal with all the concerns raised by healthcare workers “before the end of the year.”
“We are determined to implement the recommendations of this seminar as much as we can and depending on financial resources. We will also deal with the concerns raised by healthcare workers, like finance-related issues, statutes, and career, before the end of the current year,” said the Head of State in a speech he delivered at the closing ceremony of the Seminar on the healthcare system modernization.
The closing ceremony, held at the Palace of Nations, was attended by Speaker of the Council of the National (Upper House), Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Aimene Benabderrahmane, the President of the Constitutional Court, Omar Belhadj, the Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army (ANP), Lieutenant General Said Chanegriha and the Minister of Health, Aberrahmane Benbouzid, in addition to members of the Government, advisers to the President of the Republic and officials of national bodies.
The circumstances experienced by the country “have imposed” the postponement of the measures to deal with the concerns of healthcare workers over the last two years, given “priorities,” said the Head of State, stressing that “it is time to address the legitimate claims of the sector’s workforce” and grant them their rights in recognition of efforts made in the interest of the country.
Regarding the Algerian healthcare system, the president of the Republic called it “one of the best systems in Africa in terms of free care and healthcare coverage,” recalling the great progress made since independence thanks to “the mobilization of doctors and their role in the eradication of many deadly diseases.”
He also referred to “the adoption of a vaccination system whose results are now evident, making Algeria a vaccination leader in Africa,” as well as other positive indicators such as the increase in life expectancy.
After praising healthcare workers for their skills, President Tebboune stressed the importance of the “reform” of the healthcare system because “shortcomings are not related to the lack of means and equipment but the high level of citizens’ expectations.”
Algeria has “the best equipment in the world”, he said, stressing the need to preserve them and ensure continuous training of staff.
In addition, President Tebboune called for the combination of efforts and participation of all stakeholders to improve the healthcare system.
“We are not the best in the world, but we are not the worst either. We have strengths that must be preserved and weaknesses that must be addressed,” said the Head of State.
Criticizing the parties that unfairly give poor reviews on the level of Algerian doctors and the healthcare system, President Tebboune said that Algeria has “the best doctors in the world.”
Some media are on the lookout for black spots and criticize to undermine the morale of citizens at every opportunity, he recalled, saying that this approach is unacceptable but “constructive criticism is welcome.”
Referring to the epidemiological situation in the country, President Tebboune said that “we can contain the Covid-19 with our means,” castigating “some Algerians who expect the worst.”
Besides, the president of the Republic highlighted “the determination of the State to bring together all the means to overcome the pandemic,” calling for “mobilization” to complete the operation of vaccination, “the only way to defeat the pandemic.”
He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to healthcare workers for their constant efforts and bowed to the memory of the victims of the pandemic.
Source: ALGERIA PRESS SERVICE