The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union of Private Pharmacies has expressed concern over the continued disruption in the availability of medicines and difficulties in obtaining supplies from the Central Pharmacy. In a statement released on Monday, the union emphasized that ensuring the availability of medicines and their continuous delivery to citizens should remain a top priority. The union's general assembly, held on Saturday, discussed the current challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
The union has called for the resumption of full digitization between the Central Pharmacy and private pharmacies, citing the benefits of transparency, speed, and efficiency. They also urged the application of the law and stricter control over all channels of distribution of veterinary medicines, health products, and combating all forms of promotion outside legal frameworks. This call aims to address the current difficulties in accessing medicines.
Zbeir Qiqah, President of the Tunisian Pharmacists' Union of Private Pharmacies, stressed the need for transparent mechanisms to inform private pharmacy owners about developments and changes in Tunisia's pharmaceutical system, particularly during the ongoing medicine supply crisis. He highlighted that the current situation is affecting citizens' access to generic and imported medicines.
Qiqah attributed the disruption in the supply of locally manufactured medicines to several factors, including a fire at a pharmaceutical laboratory in Tunisia and difficulties in obtaining raw materials due to global geopolitical situations. He also mentioned issues related to licensing, production capacity, and regulatory compliance. These challenges have resulted in a shortage of medicines.
The union emphasized its commitment to the healthcare coverage system as a social gain for citizens, stressing that its sustainability requires respect for mutual obligations. They expressed concern that irregular payment of pharmacy dues and exceeding contractual deadlines directly affect their ability to fulfill obligations to medicine suppliers and continue providing treatment.
The union called for 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. This appeal aims to find a solution to the current crisis.
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 plans to increase this percentage. He noted that the consumption of generic medicines and biological alternatives in Tunisia remains low.
Key points
- The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union of Private Pharmacies calls for the resumption of full digitization between the Central Pharmacy and private pharmacies.
- The union emphasizes the need for transparent mechanisms to inform private pharmacy owners about developments and changes in Tunisia's pharmaceutical system.
- The current disruption in medicine supply is attributed to various factors, including a fire at a pharmaceutical laboratory and difficulties in obtaining raw materials.
