Tunisia's health ministry has launched initiatives to expand medical services in remote desert regions. On October 11, 2026, a free medical screening day was organized in Qsar Ghirlan, a remote area in southern Tunisia. The event, conducted by the local hospital in Douz, in collaboration with health authorities and local associations, aimed to detect and manage hypertension and diabetes among residents. Around 100 residents benefited from the screening, which also included awareness sessions on prevention and management of the conditions.
The free medical screening day was part of the health ministry's strategy to bring medical services closer to citizens, particularly in remote areas. According to Bashir Al-Aribi, representative of the regional health administration, the initiative enabled medical staff to provide services to residents who would otherwise have limited access to healthcare. The event also allowed medical professionals to refer patients requiring further treatment to specialized care at the regional hospital in Qebli.
In addition to the medical screening day, a two-day medical conference on vascular surgery was held at the Qebli Regional Hospital, concluding on October 11, 2026. The conference, organized in partnership with health authorities in Qebli and Monastir, focused on arteriovenous fistula surgery. Five successful surgeries were performed on patients with chronic kidney failure, as part of a regional program aimed at providing specialized medical services and reducing the need for patients to travel to other regions for treatment.
The medical conference and surgeries were conducted by teams from Qebli and Monastir, in collaboration with the regional health authorities. According to Jouhar Al-Makni, regional health director in Qebli, the initiative demonstrated the region's capacity to provide specialized medical services, particularly in vascular surgery. The surgeries were performed using state-of-the-art equipment at the Qebli Regional Hospital, which has been upgraded by the health ministry.
The health ministry's initiatives in Qebli reflect the government's efforts to improve healthcare services in remote regions. The expansion of medical services has reduced the burden on patients and improved treatment outcomes. The regional health director emphasized that such initiatives would continue to enhance the quality of healthcare services, ensuring citizens' access to specialized medical care.
The Qebli Regional Hospital has seen significant improvements in its medical services, particularly in surgical care. The hospital's upgraded facilities and equipment have enabled medical teams to perform complex surgeries, such as vascular surgery. The health ministry's investment in the hospital's infrastructure has contributed to better healthcare outcomes and improved patient care.
The success of the medical screening day and the vascular surgery conference demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts between health authorities, local associations, and medical professionals. The initiatives have not only expanded medical services but also raised awareness about preventive care and management of chronic conditions. Key efforts have focused on providing accessible healthcare, enhancing medical expertise, and improving treatment outcomes.
Key points
- Tunisia's health ministry has launched initiatives to expand medical services in remote desert regions, including free medical screenings and specialized surgeries.
- The Qebli Regional Hospital has seen significant improvements in its medical services, particularly in surgical care, with upgraded facilities and equipment.
- The health ministry's efforts have reduced the burden on patients and improved treatment outcomes, ensuring citizens' access to specialized medical care.
