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Algeria’s Saidal and Madar Holding Partner to Build €65 Million Cell Therapy Clinic
Strategic Healthcare Project Aims to Reduce Reliance on Foreign Medical Treatment
In a significant move for Algeria’s healthcare sector, pharmaceutical giant Saidal and investment firm Madar Holding signed a partnership agreement Saturday to establish a cutting-edge cell therapy clinic in Sidi Abdellah, Algiers. The €65 million project, expected to be operational within 18-24 months, represents Algeria’s ambitious push into advanced medical treatments.
Government-Backed Initiative for Medical Sovereignty
The signing ceremony at Saidal’s El Harrach production facility was attended by key government officials, including Pharmaceutical Industry Minister Wassim Kouidri and Industry Minister Sifi Ghrieb. Minister Kouidri emphasized the project’s national importance, stating it aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision for healthcare security.
“This strategic project will provide citizens access to innovative treatments like stem cell and immune cell therapies while strengthening our medical independence,” Kouidri told reporters.
Breaking Down the Project Details
The initial phase will feature:
- 100-bed capacity with expansion potential
- Specialized treatment for cardiac, blood, ocular, respiratory and neurological conditions
- Advanced therapies for refractory cancers
- Medical tourism component to ensure financial sustainability
Mourad Belkhelfa, Saidal’s scientific consultant, explained the clinic will offer treatments at “significantly lower costs than foreign alternatives,” potentially saving Algerian patients millions in overseas medical expenses.
A Collaborative National Effort
The partnership leverages each company’s strengths:
| Partner | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Saidal | Technical expertise, human resources, and land allocation |
| Madar Holding | Primary project financing |
Madar Holding CEO Charaf-Eddine Amara described the venture as “a strategic investment vision” that supports Algeria’s healthcare sovereignty. The government plans to establish a High Council for Advanced Therapies to oversee this and similar initiatives.
Building on Recent Scientific Partnerships
This agreement follows a February 2025 collaboration between the same partners and virology research group AGERP to create a microbiology research center. Together, these projects position Algeria as an emerging player in:
- Cutting-edge medical treatments
- Vaccine development
- Regional healthcare leadership
Industry analysts suggest the cell therapy clinic could reduce Algeria’s medical tourism expenditure by 30% within five years of operation, while creating hundreds of specialized jobs in the biotechnology sector.
Source: Algerian Press Service (APS) and Algerie-Eco
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