ALGIERS, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Autonomous Collective of Algerian Resident Doctors (CAMRA) announced Sunday to suspend resident doctors' minimum compulsory civil service at state-owned hospitals.
In an attempt to take things in hand, the Ministry of Health on Sunday called on the representatives of the medical residents "to hold a working meeting," but they "have unfortunately declined the invitation," said a statement from the ministry.
The ministry reassured citizens that "all measures have been taken to ensure care and security, particularly in emergencies, as general practitioners, lecturers, professors and heads of departments would ensure guard."
In fact, resident doctors have been engaged in standoff with the government, which claim to improve their working conditions.
Last week, the CAMRA called on all its members to stop providing emergency and guardianship service at hospitals starting from May 1.
As part of their protest movement, dozens of resident doctors staged sit-ins last week in Algiers to express their rejection of a health bill, which suggests maintaining compulsory civil service for doctors.
The ministry held several rounds of talks with representatives of CAMRA, the latest of which took place on April 16, without reaching any agreement.
In Algeria, resident doctors are podiatrists, pharmacists and dentists who have completed their basic medical graduate degree and are working for a post graduate degree while spending three years as residents in state-owned hospitals.
During their post graduate degree, resident doctors are subject to the compulsory civil service system, and are forced to practice in hospitals and clinics in desert and remote areas of the country amid poor working facilities and living conditions.
