Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mohamed El-Ghazi, has ordered the National Social Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers (CNAS) centers across the national territory to open every Saturday morning. The decision, made during a meeting chaired by the Minister on Monday in Algiers, aims to enhance public access to services. This extended opening is specifically intended to benefit citizens, particularly employees and workers, by allowing them to utilize CNAS services. Officials stated that the measure will also contribute to reducing pressure on the centers during regular weekdays.
Performance Review Meeting
The meeting saw attendance from central officials and cadres of the Fund. It formed part of a periodic follow-up reviewing the performance of institutions and bodies affiliated with the sector. During the session, participants assessed the extent to which set programs were implemented and the quality of services provided to citizens was improved. Minister El-Ghazi received a detailed presentation outlining the Fund's activity, which included performance indicators, the level of care for insured persons and their rights holders, and the status of services offered. The gathering further evaluated measures taken to assist citizens in exceptional circumstances, specifically urgent actions for those affected by recent fires. These measures encompass facilitating the retrieval and renewal of 'Chifa' cards and accelerating the preparation and delivery of new cards to the relevant provinces.
Digital Modernization Drive
The presentation during the meeting included a review of the digitization process for CNAS procedures and services, alongside efforts towards their simplification. Discussions focused on the digital transformation of the Fund, particularly concerning remote declarations and electronic payment systems. Digital services specifically tailored for institutions and employers were also addressed. The development of services enabling insured individuals to access documents and information related to their rights without requiring a physical visit to Fund offices was a key topic. The Fund continues to enhance its digital offerings, which include functionalities for checking and downloading declared salary certificates. Officials noted that the remote declaration portal, facilitating electronic declarations, payments, and the submission of annual salary and worker declarations, is being strengthened. These initiatives align with the broader sector trends towards modernizing the social security system and public services.
Reorganization and Service Improvement
The directive to open CNAS centers on Saturdays is part of a broader effort to modernize the social security system, according to officials. Minister El-Ghazi stated that improved performance in social security institutions is measured by direct impact on service quality, the speed of addressing concerns, and the protection of social rights. He stressed the necessity of continuing to simplify procedures, reduce file processing times, expand digital services, and enhance reception, listening, and guidance conditions for citizens. The Minister also emphasized giving special attention to categories requiring specific care and support.
Minister El-Ghazi issued directives to reorganize the CNAS network within Algiers province, proposing the creation of three regional directorates: East, Center, and West. This reorganization aims to redistribute tasks, bring Fund structures closer to insured persons, improve coordination and follow-up, and ensure greater efficiency in handling files and concerns. The reorganization should be proportionate to the population density and the urban and administrative expanse of the province. He called for the adoption of accurate and transparent indicators to measure the performance of Fund structures and for monitoring the implementation of programs and decisions in the field. Strengthening coordination between central and local services was also requested to identify and address shortcomings promptly.
Minister's Call to Action
At the meeting's conclusion, Minister Mohamed El-Ghazi urged Fund officials and cadres to persist in their efforts to elevate performance levels and enhance management effectiveness. He called on them to consolidate a culture of results, making citizen care and the quality of public service a core focus.