Algerian midwives stage protest against ‘smear' campaign

The Midwives’ Union in Algeria has called for protests today against the standard of healthcare institutions and, mainly, university hospital centres. All midwives are requested to take part. In a Facebook post, the union also denounced what describes as a “smear campaign” against its members on social networks and media outlets, which blames midwives for “all the failings” of Algeria’s health system.

Wahiba Ouhaioune, the President of the union’s national office, confirmed that the protest will be held outside the Mustapha Pacha Hospital in Algiers. Protesters are being encouraged to wear black armbands or badges with the words, “Doctors angry”. Ouhaioune insisted that the protests are not a strike, and that the union will make sure that emergency department staff will be on duty “to ensure that there is no negligence during the sit-in.”

Read more: Algeria endangering lives of women

The campaign on social networks and in the Algerian media against the midwives was prompted by news that a mother and her unborn child died after they were refused treatment at three hospitals in July this year. Shortly afterwards, another mother died after she was turned away by a hospital which refused to treat her. It is unclear why the mothers were neglected in such a way but questions have been raised over the conditions of Algeria’s healthcare system and the training and expertise that healthcare professionals receive.

Earlier this year, medical, dental and pharmaceutical students held protests outside their establishments to call for better work opportunities and training facilities in Algeria. The country ranks 81st in the World Health Organisation’s global healthcare systems table. Healthcare has been free for all citizens since 1970.

Algerians protest against the standard of healthcare institutions and, mainly, university hospital centres on 25 September 2017 [Algerie 24/Facebook]

Algerians protest against the standard of healthcare institutions and, mainly, university hospital centres on 25 September 2017 [Algerie 24/Facebook]

Algerians protest against the standard of healthcare institutions and, mainly, university hospital centres on 25 September 2017 [Algerie 24/Facebook]