Tunisia's healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the implementation of the e-health project, led by the Ministry of Health and supported by the French Development Agency (AFD). The project aims to accelerate the digitalization of the Tunisian healthcare system, with a focus on improving medical care in regions across the country. The initiative has already achieved notable successes, including the deployment of solutions for secure archiving, storage, and remote transmission of medical images.
At the heart of this transformation is the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which enables the sharing of medical images between healthcare services and hospitals. According to Professor Saoussen Hantous Zannad, head of the radiology department at Abderrahmane-Mami Hospital in Ariana, PACS has significantly improved access to medical imaging, allowing doctors to quickly retrieve necessary exams for diagnosis. The system also ensures the secure storage and immediate accessibility of digital images, reducing reliance on traditional film and paper-based methods.
The e-health project has been underway in Tunisia for over a decade, with the AFD providing support since 2018. The project's primary objective is to upgrade the infrastructure of public healthcare establishments and university hospitals. The equipment acquired as part of the project was received by various hospitals starting in October 2024. PACS has facilitated the transmission of medical exams remotely, enabling specialists to provide expertise from other healthcare facilities.
The project has made significant strides in the field of radiology, with over 100,000 exams conducted since October 1, 2025, as part of the digital hospital initiative. According to Dr. Habiba Mizouni, a radiologist at the Ministry of Health's digital hospital, the system has achieved 100% coverage of the needs of regional hospitals, enabling patients in areas such as Zarzis and Ben Guerdane to undergo local scans and receive follow-up care through the digital platform.
The experience of Béja's regional hospital illustrates the potential of this infrastructure. Since the introduction of the technology in 2024-2025, the hospital has seen a significant increase in exams, with 7,000 conducted to date. The system allows for extended working hours, up to 24 hours a day, thanks to the digitization and transmission of requests and exams. This has facilitated the involvement of remote specialists in providing faster and more efficient readings of exams.
The e-health project has improved patient care and accelerated the deployment of telemedicine across Tunisia, according to Professor Hantous Zannad. The project's success has relied on collaboration with international partners, including France. Dr. Mohamed Ali Boughallaba, president of the medical committee at Béja's hospital, emphasized the need for continued cooperation to support Tunisian healthcare establishments and meet patient needs.
The AFD has provided €27.3 million in financing for the national health digitization project, launched in 2018. The project involves two phases, with the first phase completed in 2024, focusing on the digitization of 24 university hospitals, and the second phase aiming to deploy digital solutions in 33 hospitals. The project's progress reflects Tunisia's commitment to reducing regional disparities and ensuring quality healthcare for all citizens.
Key points
- The e-health project has deployed PACS to enable secure archiving, storage, and remote transmission of medical images.
- The project has achieved significant coverage in regional hospitals, with over 100,000 exams conducted since October 1, 2025.
- The initiative has improved patient care and accelerated the deployment of telemedicine across Tunisia.
