Tunisia's Minister of Health, Mustapha Ferjani, announced that more than 120,000 medical imaging exams have been performed remotely in the country over the past year. This significant milestone indicates a considerable expansion of telemedicine services in Tunisia. The development was revealed during the Telehealth Connect 2026 event, which brought together representatives from over 30 countries to discuss advancements in telemedicine, artificial intelligence, data governance, and cybersecurity.
According to the data, the 120,000 exams translate to approximately 10,000 procedures per month or around 329 exams per day. With 32 hospitals reportedly offering these services 24/7, the theoretical ratio reaches 3,750 exams per hospital per year. However, it is essential to note that these numbers are estimates and may not reflect the actual distribution of exams across hospitals, regions, or types of exams.
The growth of telemedicine in Tunisia is evident in the increasing number of hospitals participating in the program. In August, the Ministry of Health reported 26 hospitals and 120,000 exams completed during the first year of the Digital Hospital initiative. More recent statements from Minister Ferjani put the number of hospitals at 30. This expansion demonstrates a shift from experimental technology to a fully operational infrastructure within the healthcare system.
The economic implications of this growth are significant, as the focus shifts from simply verifying the functionality of remote imaging to assessing its actual impact. Key questions revolve around the number of patient and specialist displacements avoided, unnecessary transfers between hospitals, and reduced diagnosis times. However, concrete data to quantitatively answer these questions is currently unavailable.
The Telehealth Connect 2026 event provided a platform for discussing the future of telemedicine and its applications. For Tunisia, the 120,000 exams serve as a measurable base, but the true indicator of maturity will be the ability to publish detailed information on the geography and nature of this activity and measure its effects on costs, delays, and access to specialists.
Remote medical imaging, or teleradiology, allows medical exams performed in one hospital to be interpreted by a qualified physician in another location. The images are transmitted securely, enabling remote consultation and interpretation. This technology is particularly valuable when a hospital lacks a specialist, as it enables the mobilization of medical expertise across multiple facilities.
As Tunisia continues to develop its telemedicine capabilities, it is essential to address the technical aspects of the infrastructure, average interpretation times, and the distribution of exams across hospitals. By doing so, the country can unlock the full potential of remote medical imaging and improve its healthcare services.
Key points
- Over 120,000 medical imaging exams have been performed remotely in Tunisia over the past year.
- The number of hospitals offering remote medical imaging services has grown, with 32 hospitals reportedly providing 24/7 coverage.
- The impact of telemedicine on costs, delays, and access to specialists remains to be measured and evaluated.
