The health sector in Bouira, Algeria, is experiencing a significant revival with several projects being relaunched. According to Dr. Laib Mohamed, the Director of Health and Population (DSP) of Bouira, several vital projects had stalled in the region, including a diabetes center that has been planned for over four years. The DSP emphasized that diabetes is a growing concern, affecting over 14% of the population, and that a dedicated center is essential to provide specialized care.
One of the key projects being revived is the 80-bed mother-child complex in Bouira, which was initially planned in 2010. The project has been stalled due to funding issues, but the DSP revealed that the study for the project has been completed, and the estimated cost has risen to 4 billion dinars, double the initial allocation. To move forward, the project will be divided into several phases, with the first phase focusing on the main works and infrastructure development.
The mother-child complex is considered vital for the region, particularly in addressing the shortage of gynecologists. The DSP noted that the current healthcare system relies heavily on temporary civil service doctors, which can lead to staffing shortages. To address this, the DSP plans to establish a specialized gyneco-obstetrics unit with 140 beds, which will be linked to the existing maternity ward at the Mohamed Boudiaf hospital.
The DSP also highlighted the need for a diabetes center, citing the growing number of diabetes cases in the region. The center will provide specialized care and support for patients with diabetes, including cardiologists, ophthalmologists, surgeons, and nephrologists. The DSP emphasized that the center will be essential in addressing the long-term consequences of diabetes.
In addition to the mother-child complex and diabetes center, several other healthcare projects are being revived in Bouira. The 80-bed hospital in Bordj Okhriss is nearing completion, with the main works finished and the tender for the next phase being prepared. The 120-bed hospital in Ain Bessem is also progressing, with the main works expected to be completed within two months.
However, not all projects are progressing smoothly. The 120-bed hospital in M'Chedallah has been stalled due to disputes between the contractor and the study bureau. The DSP revealed that the contract with the current contractor may be terminated, and the project will be relaunched with a new contractor and study bureau.
The DSP emphasized that the goal is to provide quality healthcare services to the growing population of Bouira, which is expected to reach 1 million inhabitants. The DSP is working to address the challenges facing the healthcare sector, including staffing shortages and infrastructure deficiencies, to ensure that the population receives the care they need.
Key points
- A new 80-bed mother-child complex is being built in Bouira to address the shortage of gynecologists and provide specialized care for mothers and children.
