Experts from Tunisia's Union générale tunisienne du travail (UGTT) have raised concerns about the worsening financial deficit in the country's social security funds. They warned that this could have serious repercussions on the rights of social security beneficiaries and the quality of healthcare services. The warning was issued during a workshop organized by the UGTT's department of social protection and informal economy.
According to Hédi Dahmane, a social security specialist and member of the administrative council of the Caisse nationale de sécurité sociale (CNSS), the cumulative deficit of the Caisse nationale de retraite et de prévoyance sociale (CNRPS), CNSS, and Caisse nationale d'assurance maladie (CNAM) has reached nearly 7 billion dinars. Dahmane attributed the financial difficulties to structural issues, including demographic changes.
The number of active contributors per retiree has decreased significantly, from 8.3 to 2.3 currently, and is expected to drop to 1.1 by 2031. This decline, combined with an aging population and increased life expectancy, is expected to exacerbate the funding challenges for pensions. Dahmane also pointed to the lack of diversified funding sources and delays in implementing reforms.
The CNAM is particularly affected by cash flow tensions due to difficulties in transferring contributions from the other two social security funds. This situation has impacted healthcare providers, including pharmacists, laboratories, private institutions, and hemodialysis centers, which face payment delays. Dahmane called for diversifying funding resources and revising the mechanism for collecting contributions.
Boulbaba Selmi, UGTT's deputy secretary general in charge of social protection, emphasized the risks associated with persistent financial imbalances and urged reforms to ensure the system's sustainability. The experts' warnings highlight the need for urgent action to address the growing deficit and ensure the long-term viability of Tunisia's social security system.
The UGTT's call for reforms comes as the country's social security system faces significant challenges. With a growing population and increasing healthcare needs, the system requires sustainable funding to maintain its benefits. The experts' proposals, including integrating informal economy workers into the social security system, aim to address these challenges.
The situation requires prompt attention from authorities to prevent further deterioration of the social security funds. With the country's economic growth and development at stake, the government must work with stakeholders to implement effective reforms and ensure the sustainability of the social security system.
Key points
- The cumulative deficit of Tunisia's social security funds has reached nearly 7 billion dinars.
- The number of active contributors per retiree is expected to drop to 1.1 by 2031.
- Experts are calling for diversified funding sources and reforms to ensure the sustainability of the social security system.
