The cardiology hospital in Draâ Ben Khedda, located in the Tizi-Ouzou province, has resumed operations after a prolonged period of inactivity. The hospital, situated in the city center, now receives patients from across the country. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by a team of medical professionals, the hospital offers a range of cardiology services. Patients from various regions, including the East, West, and South, are being treated at the hospital.

The hospital's director, M. L. Ahbab, reports that 50 specialized doctors oversee the hospital's operations, coordinated by experienced medical team leaders, including Nassim Zaoui and Kheireddine Redoci. In addition to the medical team, over 200 nurses and paramedics work at the hospital. Officially inaugurated in 2014, the hospital was initially intended for pediatric care but has since expanded its services to cater to patients of all ages.

The hospital's configuration and equipment make it the only facility of its kind in Algeria, capable of performing complex interventions such as "alcoholization septal du cœur". According to M. Ahbab, the hospital performs an average of 200 surgical procedures annually and handles 1,200 cases of cardiology interventions each year. Urgent cases are treated immediately, while non-emergency cases are scheduled.

Despite its capabilities, the hospital faces challenges, including a shortage of radiologists. However, with the new director's efforts, the hospital's equipment, including an MRI and a state-of-the-art scanner, is now operational. The scanner had been out of service due to a malfunction but has been repaired.

Upon his arrival, M. Ahbab found the hospital in a poor state, with various issues, including a non-functional scanner, blocked computer network, and serious water leakage problems. The hospital's only ambulance was also out of service. A comprehensive plan was implemented to address these issues, and the necessary repairs and replacements were made.

The hospital has made significant improvements, including the repair of faulty equipment, renovation of facilities, and provision of new vehicles. The working conditions have improved substantially, contributing to better medical services and patient care. A tour of the hospital's facilities revealed clean and well-maintained rooms, equipped with air conditioning and televisions.

To address the radiologist shortage, the hospital initiated a paid training program for specialist practitioners, enabling them to interpret radiographs. The hospital's staff has also received training, including those in human resources, IT, and plumbing. With its renewed operations and improved facilities, the cardiology hospital in Draâ Ben Khedda is poised to provide quality medical services to patients across Algeria.

Key points

  • The hospital has 50 specialized doctors and over 200 nurses and paramedics.
  • The hospital performs an average of 200 surgical procedures and handles 1,200 cardiology intervention cases annually.
  • The hospital offers complex interventions, including "alcoholization septal du cœur", not available elsewhere in Algeria.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.