The regions of M'Chedallah and Bechloul, comprising twelve communes with a population of nearly 150,000 inhabitants, boast the largest olive grove areas in the wilaya. Thousands of families have been engaged in the olive harvest campaign since the beginning of December, using traditional methods. The campaign, which will continue until mid-March, poses significant risks, particularly from falls from olive trees.
The olive harvest campaign is in full swing, coinciding with the winter school break, allowing families to participate in the activity. The hospital in M'Chedallah, Kaci Yahia, receives an average of seven accident victims daily, with most being evacuated to other healthcare facilities due to the lack of orthopedic specialists. The nearest healthcare facilities are the EPH in Lakhdaria, 70 km away, and the CHU in Tizi-Ouzou, 150 km away.
The emergency ward at M'Chedallah hospital reports a significant number of accident victims, with 105 cases recorded during a recent weekend. The majority of these victims suffered fractures in various parts of their bodies. The hospital's limited medical capabilities, particularly the shortage of orthopedic specialists, necessitate the evacuation of patients to other facilities.
The lack of orthopedic specialists at the M'Chedallah hospital is a significant concern, with only one specialist available to cover one day of guard duty per week. In cases where patients cannot be transported, a private orthopedic specialist provides treatment on site.
The use of traditional equipment, such as long, square tube ladders, during the olive harvest campaign poses significant risks. Although these ladders are designed to be safer, they are often unaffordable for many families, with prices starting at 12,000 DA for a 6-meter ladder.
Local blacksmiths have been producing innovative, dismantleable, lightweight, and sturdy ladders in recent years, which have made the harvesting process safer and more manageable. However, accessibility and affordability remain significant concerns for many families involved in the olive harvest campaign.
The olive harvest campaign is expected to continue until mid-March, with thousands of families participating in the activity. The local authorities and healthcare facilities are working to address the challenges posed by the campaign, including the risks associated with accidents and the shortage of medical specialists.
Key points
- Over 100 injuries have been reported during the olive harvest campaign in M'Chedallah region.
- The lack of orthopedic specialists at the local hospital necessitates the evacuation of patients to other healthcare facilities.
- The use of traditional equipment and the affordability of safer alternatives remain significant concerns for families involved in the olive harvest campaign.
