Algeria sets rules for patient transfers between health facilities
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Algérie 360
Illustrative image · Mahyub Hamida · Pexels · Licence PexelsAlgeria’s Health Ministry is requiring institutions to assess patient-transfer requests, justify their responses and stop refusing care solely because a department lacks beds. A note from Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudane, dated 27 October 2026, requires prior coordination between institutions and secure medical transport.
Algeria’s Health Ministry is requiring public institutions to examine patient-transfer requests and respond promptly with a reasoned decision. In a note dated 27 October 2026, Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudane said that a lack of beds in a department cannot alone justify a refusal without an assessment of the institution’s overall capacity, Algérie 360 reports.
The institution requesting the transfer must verify its medical justification, obtain the prior agreement of the receiving facility and arrange the patient’s preparation and medical transport. Institutions being asked to receive patients must assess requests falling within their remit on the basis of the medical information received.
The note also entrusts directors of health and population with coordinating transfer operations. The minister presents coordination between institutions as necessary for patient safety and the quality of their care.
