The strengthening of human resources within the health sector continues through the expansion of specialized medical training capacities. A total of 17,441 positions for resident doctors currently undergoing training have been recorded, driven by a significant rise in positions available at the national residency competitive exam over the past four years. This development was praised as a qualitative leap by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari.
Speaking Thursday, during a plenary session at the People’s National Assembly (APN) dedicated to oral questions, chaired by Khalida Boufedeche, and attended by the Minister for Relations with Parliament, Nadjiba Djilali, the minister stressed that bolstering healthcare security cannot rely solely on building infrastructure and procuring medical gear. He insisted it also depends heavily on having skilled human personnel capable of meeting the medical needs of citizens.
In this context, Kamel Baddari announced that 12,429 slots were unlocked during the national competition for specialized medical training throughout the past four years. Among them, 4,282 slots target five medical specialties: obstetrics and gynecology with 1,910 positions, medical imaging with 1,024 positions, cardiology with 607 positions, pediatric surgery with 524 positions, and neurology with 217 positions.
To complement this training effort, another 5,012 extra slots dedicated to specialized medical training were added to address requirements expressed by the Ministry of Health. This surge brings the total count of positions and specialists currently training to 17,441, reflecting broader national capabilities across varied medical disciplines.
According to the minister, this momentum aligns with an approach aimed at consolidating the national health sovereignty and establishing a more resilient healthcare network. The target is equally to ensure a fairer geographic spread of medical expertise, thereby satisfying regional demands and shrinking disparities regarding access to specialized treatments.