Algerian doctors die after 24‑hour shifts, prompting call to revise on‑call rules

A resident neurosurgeon in Algeria’s public health system succumbed to a heart attack after completing a 24‑hour on‑call shift, and a senior anaesthesiologist died a few days later under similar circumstances. The two deaths have sparked concern among colleagues, who say they are symptomatic of long‑standing problems in the country’s public hospitals.

Both physicians reportedly worked extended hours in facilities that are chronically understaffed and lack adequate support infrastructure. Their colleagues point to a culture of overwork that has persisted for years, noting that the on‑call regulations currently in force—established in 2013—have not been updated to reflect the realities of modern medical practice. The conditions cited include insufficient staffing ratios, limited rest periods, and a lack of resources to manage the demands placed on frontline doctors.

In light of these incidents, hospital staff and professional associations are calling for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the 2013 on‑call rules. They argue that revising the regulations is essential to protect physicians’ health, improve patient safety, and ensure that Algeria’s public hospitals can operate under sustainable, safe working conditions.