Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are working together to advance healthcare projects. On November 3, 2026, Tunisian Health Minister Mustafa Al-Ferjani met with Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia, Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Breithen. They discussed the progress of healthcare projects and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The meeting focused on accelerating the completion of several healthcare projects.
One of the main projects discussed was the King Salman University Hospital in Kairouan. The hospital is being developed in collaboration with the Saudi Development Fund, which provided a $85 million grant. The project was initially set to begin in December 2024 but faced delays. A new contract was signed in December 2025, and work is expected to be completed within 20 months.
In addition to the hospital in Kairouan, the meeting also addressed the development of two local hospitals in Sbeiba, in the governorate of Kasserine, and in Jem, in the governorate of Mahdia. These projects are part of an agreement for a loan and previous assistance to improve healthcare infrastructure in Tunisia. The contracts for these projects were signed on January 10, 2025.
The meeting also covered preparations for the launch of a kidney center at Charles Nicolle Hospital. The center will be renovated in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Work. The launch is scheduled for November 16, 2026. Furthermore, the two countries plan to initiate medical volunteer programs, including cochlear implantation and hearing rehabilitation for children.
The volunteer programs will also include corneal transplantation, heart catheterization for children, vascular services, and kidney dialysis training. These initiatives aim to improve healthcare services in Tunisia. The Saudi ambassador also visited the digital hospital at the Ministry of Health, where he emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise with Saudi Arabia.
The goal of this exchange is to develop a digital healthcare system that enhances service quality and accessibility for citizens. The Tunisian and Saudi health ministers have expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the healthcare sector. This cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on healthcare services in Tunisia.
The development of these healthcare projects demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. The two countries are working together to improve healthcare infrastructure and services in Tunisia. The projects are expected to be completed within the next 20 months, and their implementation will enhance the quality of healthcare services in the country.
Key points
- Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are collaborating on several healthcare projects, including the completion of King Salman University Hospital in Kairouan.
- The projects are being developed in collaboration with the Saudi Development Fund, which provided a $85 million grant.
- The two countries plan to initiate medical volunteer programs, including cochlear implantation and hearing rehabilitation for children.
