LuckyExodus of Doctors: How Much Do You Think A Senior Assistant Earn In Algeria?
The exodus of doctors from Algeria is a hot topic in Algeria at the moment. “1,200 doctors are preparing to go abroad to practice in France.
The revelation made on 5 February by Dr Lyes Merabet, president of the National Federation of Public Health Practitioners (SNPSP), caused a real controversy. Although the phenomenon is not new, the subject has inflamed social networks.
Health ministers, experts… everyone tried to explain the reason for this exodus. For Health Minister Abderrahmane Benbouzid, the phenomenon “does not only concern Algeria”. According to him, “In hospitals, many doctors have passed retirement age and are still working. They do not allow a new generation to replace them. This is why we don’t have jobs for young doctors.
Some experts, such as Professor Khiati, President of the National Foundation for Health Promotion and Research Development (FOREM), place particular emphasis on the “quality of training”. “In any case, the Algerian school remains a good school,” he said in an interview with TSA published on Monday 7 February.
Response from social networks:
On social networks, Internet users in Algeria, whether doctors, medical students or ordinary citizens, do not seem to believe the proposed explanations.
For them, the reasons for leaving vary. They put forward three main arguments: difficult working conditions, low wages and unemployment. For many, it is undeniable that these three factors push Algerian doctors to want to settle abroad.
The post on the Facebook account of the Ben Aknoun Faculty of Medicine in Algiers, which contains the information revealed by Dr Merabet and the latest statement by the Minister of Health, has generated thousands of comments in recent days..
“Algerian doctors are mistreated in Algeria, so they go looking for places to shine,” reads one of the posts. Or: “Why do you want them to stay when their salary is very low and the working conditions are very unfavourable?”. “Instead of talking about long-term reforms that may never come, the minister (of health) should take urgent measures to stop the haemorrhage,” another user suggested.
In Algeria, to become a doctor, it takes 7 years for a general practitioner and 12 years for a specialist. In addition, the latter have to comply with civil servants whose duration is between one year (for the southern wilayas) and four years (for the big cities in the north of the country) before their diplomas can be determined.
After more than 12 years of study as a voluntary civil servant, he passes the DEMS (Diplôme Professionnel de la Recherche Médicale) exam, and passes the master’s exam, and the expert doctor in public health becomes a master’s assistant.
A position pays up to just over $45,000 per month in net income. This was revealed on Tuesday by Dr Salim Benkhedda, a senior lecturer at a public hospital in Algiers. He posted on his social network a salary slip for a senior assistant in Algeria. A message that did not respond to Internet users.
“45,000 DA… that’s serious,” commented one user. “A country that insults teachers, scorns doctors and disrespects academics,” lamented another.
Lucky