The Tunisian Union of Private Pharmacy Owners has called for resuming the full digitization process between the Central Pharmacy and private pharmacies. In a statement released on Monday, the union emphasized the need for transparency, speed, and efficiency in the process. The union also stressed the importance of applying the law and strengthening control over all channels of distribution of veterinary medicines, health products, and combating all forms of promotion outside legal frameworks.
The union's president, Zbeir Qiqe, stated that it is essential to adopt transparent mechanisms to inform private pharmacy owners about all developments and changes in Tunisia's pharmaceutical system, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in medicine supply. Qiqe noted that the current situation is characterized by difficulties in accessing medicines, both locally manufactured and imported, due to several factors, including the inability of the Central Pharmacy to meet the needs of private pharmacies.
Qiqe attributed the recent disruption in the supply of locally manufactured medicines to problems in the local pharmaceutical industry, including a fire at one of the components of a medicine manufacturing laboratory in Tunisia. He also cited difficulties in accessing raw materials due to global geopolitical situations and the choices of some supplier countries to direct their supplies to other markets with liberalized price systems.
The Tunisian Union of Private Pharmacy Owners emphasized its commitment to the healthcare coverage system, which it considers a social gain for citizens. The union stressed that the continuity of this system requires respect for mutual commitments, including regular payment of pharmacy dues and adherence to contractual deadlines.
The union called for the establishment of regular monthly transfers according to a clear and transparent schedule, settlement of outstanding dues, and a gradual return to payment deadlines as a condition for ensuring medicine availability and sustaining the contractual relationship.
According to the former CEO of the Central Pharmacy, Mehdi Dridi, the rate of access to generic medicines and biological alternatives in Tunisia is around 55%, with a tendency to increase this rate. Dridi considered that the consumption of generic medicines and biological alternatives in Tunisia remains weak.
The current situation has a tangible impact on Tunisian citizens, who sometimes find it difficult to access both generic and imported medicines. The union's call for resuming the full digitization process aims to improve the availability and accessibility of medicines for citizens.
Key points
- The Tunisian Union of Private Pharmacy Owners calls for resuming the full digitization process with the Central Pharmacy to improve medicine availability and accessibility.
