The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union has initiated a project to create a digital platform, funded by pharmacists, to establish a direct link between private pharmacies and the Central Pharmacy. According to Amina Abbas, Assistant General Secretary of the union, the platform would enable pharmacists to submit requests directly, access real-time information on medication prices and availability, and search for medications by active ingredient.
The digital platform, which has reached 90% completion, was expected to facilitate the submission of requests, provide immediate access to medication prices and availability, and enable the scanning of medical prescriptions. It would also allow for the verification of generic medications. Despite the project's advanced stage, it has stalled due to a lack of response from the Central Pharmacy and Ministry of Health, despite repeated official correspondence.
Abbas expressed concerns over the management of medication supply, citing instability in the provision of essential medications. She noted that the Central Pharmacy now provides limited quantities of medication, which often fail to meet actual needs. For example, only three boxes of a specific medication were supplied when 30 were requested.
The union representative also warned of a shortage of veterinary medications, which has led to the emergence of an unregulated parallel market. This situation poses a threat to animal health and food safety, within the context of the "One Health" concept. The lack of regulation in this market raises concerns about the potential risks to public health.
Furthermore, Abbas reported that unapproved medications are being sold online through social media platforms. She described this situation as a "catastrophe" and suggested that Tunisia may be used as a transit country for smuggling medications. The union is advocating for the implementation of a digital encryption and tracking system to monitor medication distribution and prevent unauthorized sales.
The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union is seeking a resolution to the issues affecting medication supply and distribution. The union's efforts aim to ensure a stable and regulated medication market, which is essential for public health. The situation highlights the need for effective communication and collaboration between health authorities, pharmacists, and other stakeholders.
Key points
- The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union's digital platform for linking private pharmacies to the Central Pharmacy has stalled at 90% completion due to inaction from health authorities.
- The union has expressed concerns over the management of medication supply, citing instability in the provision of essential medications.
- The emergence of an unregulated parallel market for veterinary medications poses a threat to animal health and food safety.
