Saïhi Sets Foundation for Sectoral Partnership to Enhance Medicine Production, Availability in Hospitals

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The Ministry of Health maintains its focus on ensuring the availability of medicines in public hospitals. During a recent field visit, Health Minister Abdelhak Saihi emphasized the government’s commitment to securing the necessary resources to guarantee this availability, reassuring the public that there is currently no shortage. He also announced the launch of a study aimed at directing production efforts based on prevalent diseases.

Addressing a press briefing during his working visit to the Central Pharmacy of Hospitals (PCH) yesterday, the Health Minister stated that the government has mobilized all necessary resources to ensure the availability of medicines. He stressed that there is currently no shortage, asserting, “We will not tolerate a shortage of medicines in our country, especially since the Council for Algerian Economic Renewal has expressed its willingness to remove all obstacles hindering distributors.” He emphasized the urgency of establishing daily communication between pharmaceutical industry stakeholders and the Saidal Group, particularly in cases of shortage or reports of potential shortages.

Modernization of the PCH

Saïhi’s request aligns perfectly with the instructions of the President of the Republic, who, during the Council of Ministers on March 10, emphasized the need to “develop a proactive information and communication plan to anticipate any potential disruptions and take necessary preventive measures.” In the same context, the minister addressed the issue of modernizing the Central Pharmacy of Hospitals. This dossier is also linked to the directives of the Head of State, outlined during the last Council of Ministers, aiming to “update and modernize the management system of central pharmacies by implementing a monitoring system.” In this regard, the Health Minister explained that the PCH has transitioned to the electronic purchase order system to ensure better stock management. “This modernization, which inseparably involves the modernization of the PCH and its management method, actually began last November when we asked the central pharmacy to transition to the electronic purchase order system.

The initiative resulted in a significant number of orders being recorded (…) which allowed for more effective control over stocks,” he noted.

Priority to Local Producers

Regarding the national production of medicines, Saïhi stated that the sector has seen significant development since 2019, representing significant progress for the country’s economy. He expressed the desire to see the 1053 medicines listed in the national nomenclature manufactured in Algeria, highlighting that the public group Saidal has successfully produced 15 anticancer drugs in recent years. On this point, the Health Minister advocated for strengthening the national production of medicines, citing several examples of local companies making strides in product manufacturing, particularly in oncology and anesthetics. He emphasized that private laboratories producing locally are first and foremost Algerian citizens serving their country. “We collaborate with Algerian producers, in other words, Algerian citizens who, by producing, serve the interests of their country, which is why I prioritize giving priority to these actors,” he declared in the presence of the President of the Council for Algerian Economic Renewal, Kamel Moula. He added, “If today we cover 70% of our medication needs through our own production, I can assure you that Algerian actors have the motivation necessary to meet the challenge of achieving self-sufficiency,” emphasizing that public and private partners are working closely to achieve “health security.”

A Framework for Pharmaceutical Production

In this context, the Health Minister indicated that the commission, established in coordination with the General Directorate of Prevention and the PCH, has been tasked with conducting a study on the prevalence of all diseases in Algeria. According to him, the findings of this study will serve as a framework for medicine producers.

“For a long time, we have been striving for national production to meet the requirements and needs of public health. It is in this context that I request the realization of a study aimed at identifying all prevalent diseases in our country, and consequently, producing medications tailored to these pathologies. The main objective is to adopt an approach aimed at protecting our population and prioritizing the most common diseases in our country,” he concluded.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.

A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.

Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.

The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.