Telemedicine in Algeria: where do we stand in 2026?

Status of telemedicine in Algeria: legal framework, current practices, technical limits and outlook for doctors.

Telemedicine has exploded worldwide since 2020. In Algeria the topic is moving forward but at its own pace, with legal and technical particularities you should understand before getting started. Here is the 2026 status and practical advice for doctors considering integrating telemedicine into their practice.

Where does the legal framework stand in Algeria?

Telemedicine is authorized in Algeria, but the regulatory framework is still being built. Several texts lay the foundation:

  • Law 18-11 of 2 July 2018 on health mentions telemedicine as a legitimate mode of practice
  • Several recent ministerial declarations confirm the will to encourage deployment
  • Implementation decrees specifying practical terms (compensation, prescription, consent) are expected or being drafted

In practice this means a doctor can conduct a teleconsultation but must do so respecting professional secrecy, informed consent and usual good practice rules.

What acts are possible remotely?

Suited to teleconsultation

  • Stabilized chronic disease follow-up (balanced diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia)
  • Prescription renewal for long-term medications
  • Simple biology results interpretation with known patient
  • Dermatology (often visual, photo + video)
  • Triage and advice in first intent
  • Simple post-operative follow-up
  • Pediatric psychiatry or psychology consultation

Poorly suited or excluded

  • First contact with an unknown patient, except simple advice
  • Anything requiring direct clinical exam (auscultation, palpation, percussion)
  • Real emergencies (immediate orientation to SAMU or ER)
  • Suspicions of serious pathologies requiring physical exam

Technical aspects: tools you need

The vital minimum

  1. A stable internet connection at your end and at the patient's end (4G is generally enough)
  2. A secure video platform (not Zoom or WhatsApp for health — prefer dedicated medical solutions)
  3. A quality headset-microphone (50 € is enough, changes everything compared to built-in microphone)
  4. Proper lighting for the patient — important in dermatology
  5. A practice software capable of handling teleconsultation (booking, electronic prescription, patient record on screen during consultation)

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Never do a teleconsultation from a café or public place — professional secrecy
  • Verify the platform encrypts communication (HTTPS / SRTP)
  • Ask for explicit patient consent at the start of the consultation
  • Document in the record that the consultation was done remotely

How much to charge for a teleconsultation?

Without a stabilized contractual tariff, common practice in 2026 is:

  • Tariff identical or very close to the in-practice consultation for the same service
  • Upfront payment by BaridiMob, Edahabia or transfer (platforms make this easy)
  • Issuance of a proper invoice for the patient

Reimbursement by funds (CNAS, CASNOS) for teleconsultation is still a gray area. Check with your regional medical council for recent updates.

What model to integrate telemedicine without revolutionizing everything?

Doctors who succeed in integrating teleconsultation in Algeria often follow this scheme:

  1. Reserve 1 to 2 half-days per week dedicated to teleconsultation rather than mixing with physical appointments
  2. Limit to known patients the first months — no first contact remotely
  3. Prepare your renewal prescription templates in advance
  4. Use your practice software during consultation — patient record open, electronic prescription generated live
  5. Communicate clearly with your patients: what is possible, at what tariff, how to book

And the future?

The direction is clear: implementation decrees being prepared, tariff framework under discussion with funds, national digital infrastructure being deployed. Doctors who integrate teleconsultation into their practice from 2026 will be ahead of upcoming regulation.

Hakim-DZ supports the online booking and electronic prescription needed for smooth teleconsultation. The integrated video feature is on our roadmap for 2026. Start a free trial to prepare your practice for what is next.