Digital health in Algeria: an analysis of the Government roadmap for the new healthcare system

Background: The healthcare system in Algeria has been a very debated topic recently. This is due to its shortcomings in providing adequate care and the determination of the government in finding innovative solutions to upgrade it, especially since COVID-19. Despite the efforts that the country has been making recently to integrate health technologies into its healthcare system to improve access, efficiency, and quality of care, the health information system is still not digitalized, and still decentralized and non-integrated. This has serious impacts on the quality of health care provided to the patients. Objective: This paper aims to investigate the plan of the Algerian government regarding the digital transformation of the healthcare sector and provide a general overview of the current status. Methods: A thematic analysis has been used to analyse the official publication of the Algerian government on the digitalization of the healthcare system. Using thematic analysis as a methodological approach for analysing text contributes to a better understanding of the Algerian government plan. Results: This study has identified that the only document released by the Algerian government only focuses on the public sector without making any reference to the private one. Also, no concrete strategy of digital transformation has been included. Adding to that, no concrete plan neither a schedule are stated. Conclusion: The healthcare system in Algeria is traditional and moving to a completely digitalized one will be challenging. While the objectives in terms of digitalizing the healthcare system are known and the promises and expectations are high, the factors for a successful digital transformation are not considered. The Algerian government should consider a digital transformation plan and strategy with an incremental process.