›› Regional radiography centres

Regional Centers for Medical Radiography

The health sector is closely linked to the social security sector.The former is providing healthcare services and the latter is ensuring their coverage—particularly in the area of health insurance. Algeria’s national policy is currently adapting to social and economic changes.

Like in other countries, Algeria’s social security system is witnessing a rapid increase in healthcare expenditures compared to available resources. This may hinder the achievement of key objectives, such as ensuring continuous access to healthcare for all citizens while maintaining the sustainability of the social security system.

To address this, a strategy has been developed to control healthcare costs without compromising access or quality. Effective health planning is considered the most efficient way to advance the social security sector, through the implementation of a strict reform program aimed at providing comprehensive social coverage, especially for insured individuals and their dependents, while also enhancing service quality.

Healthcare for insured individuals and their dependents contributes to improved productivity, reflecting the Algerian state’s commitment to ensuring health, safety, and stability for all citizens.

In this context, and as part of its healthcare initiatives, regional medical imaging centers have been established and equipped with the latest technology to perform various diagnostic procedures. These include radiography, ultrasound, Doppler imaging, mammography, CT scans, and MRI. Four such centers have been set up in the provinces of Jijel, Constantine, Laghouat, and Maghnia (Tlemcen).

These centers are outfitted with next-generation medical imaging equipment, including traditional radiography, Doppler ultrasound, mammography, CT scans, and MRI.

Patient care has also been prioritized, The National Social Insurance Fund of the Salaried Workers (CNAS) has deployed multidisciplinary teams at these facilities, including specialists, general practitioners, radiology technicians, and psychologists.

Given the strong link between healthcare and social security—where one provides services and the other covers the costs—these centers were created to support the healthcare infrastructure and promote public service in early detection of serious and costly diseases. They also aim to provide insured individuals with access to high-cost radiological imaging.

The CNAS aims to:

– Facilitate access to healthcare for insured individuals and their dependents by allowing them to undergo medical imaging without upfront payment (third-party payment system), with reimbursements based on official rates.

– Enable early detection of diseases such as breast cancer in women, improving patient outcomes and reducing treatment costs by preventing disease progression.

– Provide an additional tool for medical oversight, particularly in recognizing chronic illnesses, work stoppages, or disability.

– Establish a reference facility that meets international standards, offering accurate data on imaging costs and supporting negotiations on reimbursement rates.

These centers are part of a broader network of medical imaging facilities aiming at diagnosis, prevention, and comprehensive reforms to improve the management of social security funds and enhance service quality. They operate under the third-party payment system, which was generalized on August 1, 2011, and expanded on the national wide in February 2013.

This achievement represents a significant milestone in strengthening Algeria’s social security system and enhancing the public service.