Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are strengthening their cooperation in the healthcare sector. On Tuesday, Tunisian Health Minister Mustafa Al-Ferjani met with Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia, Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Breithen, to discuss the progress of healthcare projects and initiatives between the two countries. The meeting focused on accelerating the completion of several healthcare projects, including the King Salman University Hospital in Kairouan.
The King Salman University Hospital project in Kairouan is being implemented in partnership with the Saudi Development Fund, which has provided a grant of $85 million. The project's construction and equipment contract was signed on December 10, 2025, between Minister Al-Ferjani and Ambassador Al-Breithen. The project was initially launched on December 5, 2024, but faced delays. The hospital is expected to enhance healthcare services in Tunisia.
In addition to the King Salman University Hospital, the meeting discussed the implementation of two local hospitals in Sbeiba, in the governorate of Kasserine, and Al-Jem, in the governorate of Mahdia. These projects are part of a previous agreement for a loan and assistance to improve healthcare infrastructure in Tunisia. The contracts for these projects were signed on January 10, 2025, and are expected to be completed within 20 months.
The meeting also addressed preparations for the launch of a kidney center at Charles Nicolle Hospital, which is being renovated in cooperation with the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Action. The center is expected to be inaugurated on November 16, 2026. Furthermore, the two countries are planning to launch voluntary medical projects, including cochlear implantation and hearing rehabilitation for children.
Saudi Ambassador Al-Breithen also visited the digital hospital at the Tunisian Ministry of Health, where he emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise with Saudi Arabia to develop a digital healthcare system. This would improve the quality of services and enable citizens to access them more quickly.
The cooperation between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in the healthcare sector is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the two countries. The two countries have signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding to enhance cooperation in various fields.
The meeting between Minister Al-Ferjani and Ambassador Al-Breithen reflects the commitment of both countries to improving healthcare services and promoting humanitarian initiatives. The projects and initiatives discussed during the meeting are expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare sector in Tunisia.
Key points
- Tunisia and Saudi Arabia discuss healthcare projects worth millions of dollars
- King Salman University Hospital project in Kairouan to be completed soon
- Tunisia and Saudi Arabia to launch voluntary medical projects, including cochlear implantation and hearing rehabilitation for children
