Tunisia's 2027 Health Ministry Budget Discussion Begins

The Tunisian parliament began discussing the 2027 health ministry budget, with a proposed 8.78% increase to 6035 million dinars, up from 5548 million dinars in 2026. The discussion, led by Health Minister Mustafa Al-Ferjani, aims to review the ministry's priorities and budget allocations for the upcoming year. The joint session of the Assembly of People's Representatives and the National Council of Regions and Districts will examine the report of the joint committees on education, vocational training, scientific research, youth, and sports.

According to the report, the ministry's total resources for 2027 are estimated at 6035 million dinars, with a significant increase in personnel expenses, which are expected to reach 3100 million dinars, up from 2860 million dinars in 2026. The report also indicates that operating expenses will be approximately 703.375 million dinars, compared to 680.400 million dinars in 2026. Investment expenses are projected to be 847 million dinars, a 8.6% increase from 780 million dinars in 2026.

The proposed budget allocates funds to various healthcare programs, including primary healthcare, hospital services, research, and university hospital services. A total of 1440 million dinars will be allocated to primary healthcare, while 1830 million dinars will be dedicated to hospital services. The budget also includes 1900 million dinars for research and university hospital services and 325.5 million dinars for leadership and support programs.

The ministry's priorities for 2027 include promoting public health, prevention, and healthcare security, as well as developing mental health services and reducing regional disparities in healthcare. The ministry also aims to improve healthcare infrastructure, complete stalled projects, and enhance basic healthcare centers. Additionally, the ministry plans to support medical transportation, training for healthcare workers, and digital transformation in healthcare governance.

The ministry plans to develop the "Sihitna" platform, enabling citizens to access their medical files and book appointments. The ministry also intends to implement digital tracking systems for medicine stock and enhance the central pharmacy and national agency for medicine and health products. Furthermore, the ministry aims to encourage local pharmaceutical manufacturing and support the Tunisian pharmaceutical industry.

The 2027 budget also includes the recruitment of 4000 new healthcare workers and the regularization of contract and casual workers. The ministry will continue to work on several major healthcare projects, including the King Salman bin Abdulaziz University Hospital in Kairouan and the multi-specialty hospital in Gafsa. The ministry will also equip hospitals with heavy medical equipment and enhance the mobile emergency and resuscitation units.

The discussion of the 2027 health ministry budget is a crucial step in ensuring the development of Tunisia's healthcare sector. The proposed budget increase reflects the government's commitment to improving healthcare services and infrastructure. The parliament's review of the budget will help ensure that the ministry's priorities align with the country's healthcare needs.

Key points

• The Tunisian government proposes an 8.78% increase in the health ministry budget for 2027, reaching 6035 million dinars.