The Military Hospital of Constantine is the oldest healthcare facility in the town.
The Military Hospital of Constantine (Hôpital Militaire de Constantine), located in the Djaberra district of Constantine, the capital of Constantine Province in eastern Algeria, stands as a historic medical institution that bridges a rich scientific legacy with modern healthcare services. Established during the French colonial era, it gained global scientific prominence between 1880 and 1884 when a groundbreaking discovery reshaped the understanding of malaria. On November 6, 1880, French military doctor Alphonse Laveran, while working at this hospital, observed under a microscope the malaria-causing parasite (later identified as *Plasmodium*) in the blood of infected soldiers from the El Bardo district (a historic Turkish quarter in Constantine). This discovery, documented in medical reports and presented to the French Academy of Medicine in 1881, initially faced skepticism but later became a cornerstone in global efforts to combat the disease. Post-independence, the hospital underwent significant modernization, evolving into a state-of-the-art medical center equipped with specialized departments in general and specialized surgery, internal medicine, emergency care, and chronic disease management, alongside advanced diagnostic units such as modern radiology, fully equipped laboratories, and intensive care facilities. Today, it serves as a key healthcare hub for active and retired military personnel and their families, while also extending emergency services and prearranged care to civilians, reflecting its integration into Algeria’s broader public health system. Beyond routine medical services, the hospital plays a vital role during health crises and natural disasters, acting as a critical link between military and civilian healthcare networks, supported by skilled medical staff and infrastructure capable of handling complex cases. Its contributions extend to medical research and public health education, drawing on its historic legacy, which began with the malaria parasite discovery over a century ago. The hospital’s location in Djaberra remains accessible, though updated service details are recommended to be sourced via Algeria’s Ministry of National Defense or official military channels. Combining its storied past with cutting-edge medicine, the Military Hospital of Constantine stands as a symbol of Algeria’s healthcare excellence and a testament to scientific achievements that have saved countless lives worldwide, cementing its role as both a regional medical pillar and a historic landmark in the annals of global medicine.
Hôpital Militaire de Constantine befor 1972
Hôpital Militaire de Constantine AFTER 1972
- Photos (1_4) and main text by Islam Chergui (February 2025)
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Bibliography
- The book "Laveran: His Life, His Work" by Madame Boursalix (1923).
- The research of Dr. Edmond Sargan (1937) on the monument in Constantine.