During the review of the 2027 health ministry budget, Tunisian parliamentarians highlighted several pressing issues plaguing the country's healthcare sector, including medicine shortages, inadequate equipment, and stalled healthcare projects. The lawmakers, who attended a plenary session at the Assembly of People's Representatives, expressed concerns over the long waiting periods, deteriorating infrastructure, and uneven distribution of healthcare services across regions. They called for urgent interventions to address these problems.
The issue of medicine shortages, particularly for patients with cancer and chronic illnesses, was a major concern for parliamentarians. They denounced the acute shortage of specific medications and the low stock levels of essential drugs. To address this issue, lawmakers proposed establishing a system to monitor and anticipate medicine needs, allowing for adjustments to be made to avoid recurrent supply crises. They also suggested creating a strategic stockpile of vital medications for patients with chronic illnesses.
Parliamentarians also discussed the non-inscription of certain diabetes medications on the list of products covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM). Several lawmakers argued that encouraging local pharmaceutical production could help alleviate the issue. They noted that importing medications and pharmaceutical products consumes a significant portion of the country's foreign exchange reserves and called for support for domestic production to meet the country's needs.
The financial difficulties faced by some hospitals due to delayed payments from CNAM were also raised. Lawmakers requested that outstanding debts be settled to ensure the continuity of healthcare services. Additionally, they emphasized the need to revise the current healthcare map to ensure a more equitable distribution of healthcare establishments and services, particularly in interior regions that lack specialists, medical personnel, and basic equipment.
The parliamentarians' concerns also focused on the disparities in healthcare services between regions. They noted that the current healthcare map no longer meets the real needs of citizens and called for its revision. The lawmakers stressed the importance of addressing these structural issues to guarantee quality healthcare services and bring them closer to citizens.
To address these challenges, lawmakers requested improvements in working conditions, acceleration of project implementation, and the provision of necessary human resources and equipment. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex issues facing the healthcare sector. The minister of health, Mustapha Ferjani, was present during the session.
Ultimately, the Tunisian parliamentarians' criticisms highlight the need for urgent reforms to address the persistent issues in the country's healthcare sector. The issues raised during the budget review, including medicine shortages, infrastructure problems, and disparities in healthcare services, require immediate attention and comprehensive solutions to ensure that citizens have access to quality healthcare.
Key points
- Tunisian lawmakers call for urgent interventions to address medicine shortages and healthcare infrastructure issues.
