The 4th National General Medicine Congress was recently held in Bejaia, Algeria, from the 26th to the 27th of the current month. The event, organized by the Association of Liberal General Physicians of Bejaia, brought together 400 general practitioners from the public and private sectors, with 140 attendees from 25 different wilayas. The congress aimed to promote continuous medical education and addressed various health topics, including responsible antibiotic use.
Algeria ranks among the top 5 countries in terms of antibiotic consumption, according to Dr. Boudrahem from the infectious disease team at the Bejaia University Hospital. He emphasized the dangers of misusing antibiotics, citing the World Health Organization's warning that it poses a significant global threat. Dr. Boudrahem stressed that antibiotics should only be prescribed when necessary, as their overuse can lead to severe health consequences.
The misuse of antibiotics not only affects public health but also has significant economic implications. In 2017, the Algerian National Social Security Fund reimbursed 18 billion Algerian dinars for antibiotic prescriptions, with 2 billion dinars spent solely by hospitals. Experts at the congress highlighted the need for responsible prescribing practices to mitigate these consequences.
The congress covered a range of topics, including the prescription of anxiolytics, management of febrile illnesses, new contraceptives, and urinary tract infections in children. A special focus was placed on pediatric health, with Professor Boudjnah discussing hearing loss in children. He emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent long-term effects on a child's social integration and education.
Professor Laraba, a pediatrician at Bab El-Oued University Hospital, discussed the importance of environmental factors in promoting healthy psychomotor development in children from 0 to 3 years old. He stressed the crucial role of family, particularly mothers, in providing a nurturing environment that fosters healthy growth and development.
The congress also addressed chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and cancer. Professor Tliba from Bab El-Oued University Hospital discussed the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which can now be managed through surgical intervention involving deep brain stimulation. He noted that a single center in Algeria provides this type of care, with approximately 70,000 cases reported.
The event featured 20 medical professors and provided a platform for general practitioners to engage with specialists and update their knowledge on various health topics. The congress aimed to promote collaboration and improve healthcare services in Algeria, with a focus on preventive care and responsible medical practices.
Key points
- Algerian medical professionals emphasize the need for responsible antibiotic use to mitigate health and economic consequences.
- The 4th National General Medicine Congress in Bejaia addressed various health topics, including pediatric health, chronic diseases, and responsible prescribing practices.
- Experts stress the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing long-term effects on children's health and development.
