Algiers, Algeria – (African Boulevard News) – Industries Médico-Chirurgicales, Algeria’s largest non-oil exporter, is currently under investigation for suspected overcharging for orthopaedic equipment. This has brought to the surface criticisms of the group’s monopoly in the country’s medical equipment sector.
The investigation was sparked after the Algerian government received complaints from several public hospitals regarding the exorbitant prices charged by Industries Médico-Chirurgicales for specific orthopaedic equipment. The government then launched an investigation into the group’s business practices.
This recent development has opened up debates about the dominance of Industries Médico-Chirurgicales in the Algerian medical equipment sector. Critics claim that the group’s monopoly has led to a lack of competition, which has driven up prices and contributed to the country’s struggling healthcare system.
Experts have highlighted that the high cost of medical equipment in Algeria has resulted in a shortage of necessary supplies, particularly in public hospitals. Many hospitals have been forced to operate with outdated, inadequate, or malfunctioning equipment, which has put patients’ lives at risk.
“The medical equipment sector in Algeria is urgent need of reform,” said Dr. Ahmed Abdelkader, a medical expert. “The high prices of equipment are placing an enormous burden on the already financially strapped public hospitals, which are unable to purchase the necessary medical equipment to provide adequate care to patients.”
Industries Médico-Chirurgicales has not yet responded to the allegations of overcharging. However, the company has been under scrutiny for its business practices for several years. In 2019, the group was investigated for reportedly violating competition laws in the country’s medical equipment market.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders are calling for increased competition in the Algerian medical equipment sector to address the high cost of equipment and ensure that patients receive adequate care.
In conclusion, the investigation into Industries Médico-Chirurgicales has brought to the forefront of the patriarchal monopoly in the Algerian medical equipment sector. With this monopoly comes the lack of competition and high pricing, resulting in a scarcity of medical equipment and, ultimately, a struggling healthcare system. As the investigation continues, experts are encouraging policymakers to take the necessary steps to reform the medical equipment sector in Algeria.
