Health ministry sets new rules for patient transfers between wilayas

The Ministry of Health (MSP) has set new rules for transferring patients between health establishments in different wilayas, Algérie 360 reported.

The aim is to end refusals based only on a lack of beds in one department, without first checking the whole establishment's capacity.

For patients and hospitals, a shortage of beds in one department cannot, on its own, justify refusing a transferred patient. The stories do not give a date from which the rules apply.

Establishments that receive transfer requests must study those within their powers. They must reply promptly and give reasons for their decision.

The establishment asking for a transfer must check the medical reasons and get prior agreement from the receiving establishment. It must also prepare the patient and make sure medical transport is secure.

The note was signed by Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudane, the minister of health, and dated 27 October. It was sent to health and population directors and heads of public health establishments.

According to the note, a transfer is a medically justified step that can, in some cases, be decisive in saving a patient's life.

Health and population directors must coordinate operations between establishments and hold regular meetings. This coordination must also include establishments in other wilayas.

University hospitals are asked to help treat complex cases from across the wilayas. They can use their multidisciplinary staff, expertise and technical platforms, within their missions and available resources.

Each health establishment must name a permanent official. This official will keep communication going between establishments and follow the steps for transferred patients.

The note says two ministry directorates may set the detailed rules where needed. They are the General Directorate of Health Services and Hospital Reform, and the Directorate of Information Systems and Computing.