Algerian Health Minister Meets Union Leaders to Address Sector Concerns

Algerian Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Massoud met with members of the National Federation of Health Workers on October 15, 2026, at the Ministry of Health. The federation, affiliated with the General Union of Algerian Workers, was led by its general secretary, Ait Talib Reza. The meeting aimed to continue dialogues with social partners and strengthen discussions on the professional and social concerns of the sector's workers.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted the federation's role as an active social partner, commending its commitment to responsibility and contribution to the sector's stability and public interest. He reiterated the ministry's commitment to addressing the concerns of health workers, particularly the shared category, and emphasized the need to study various demands and determine appropriate solutions. This approach aims to meet workers' expectations and improve their professional and social conditions.

Minister Ait Massoud stressed the importance of enhancing communication and coordination with social partners. He announced the establishment of direct monitoring mechanisms at the ministry and intensified coordination with technical teams to study submitted files, evaluate registered concerns, and determine practical measures to address them. He assured that the dialogue with all social partners would remain open.

In related developments, the minister reviewed key aspects of modernizing the healthcare system and developing its management methods. He emphasized the need to accelerate digitization, particularly in emergency services, to improve work organization, facilitate patient care, and enhance the speed and effectiveness of care provision. The minister also highlighted the importance of prioritizing the human aspect in healthcare services by improving patient reception, care conditions, and the quality of services provided. He called on the federation to contribute to fostering a culture of humanizing healthcare institutions, which would enhance public trust in public healthcare facilities and uphold principles of respect and good care.

The general secretary of the National Federation of Health Workers, Ait Talib Reza, along with executive members, appreciated the minister's initiatives. They expressed their readiness to support the ministry's efforts to modernize the healthcare system, improve working conditions, and enhance patient care through continued coordination and dialogue with the central administration and technical teams.

This meeting is part of the Ministry of Health's efforts to establish a responsible and continuous social dialogue, strengthening partnerships with trade unions as key players in the reform process. This approach aims to address professional and social concerns, contributing to the overall improvement of the healthcare sector.

**Context:** The meeting underscores the Algerian government's efforts to engage with labor unions and address sector-specific issues, aiming to enhance the healthcare system's efficiency and worker satisfaction. This dialogue is crucial for implementing reforms and improving public healthcare services, aligning with broader goals of modernizing the sector and ensuring better patient care.