Tunisian Pharmacists' Union Head Calls for Calm in Dispute Over Unpaid Dues

Nofel Amira, former head of the Tunisian Pharmacists' Union, has urged the Minister of Social Affairs to calm down amid a dispute over unpaid dues to private pharmacies. The dispute arose after a statement was attributed to the minister, suggesting that the payment of dues to private pharmacies would be suspended until a decision to halt work on the "third-party payer" system with "Al-Kanama" is lifted. Amira stated that this escalation would not lead to a solution.

Amira called for a negotiating session to find solutions to sustain the third-party payer system before January 15, 2027, when the agreement to operate it expires. He emphasized that the union is open to dialogue. According to Amira, the problem with "Al-Kanama" began with previous ministers but worsened over the past two years due to accumulated social expenses and decisions made without necessary funding.

The decisions in question relate to social loans, car loans, and the doubling of the annual ceiling for social security beneficiaries enrolled in the fund. Amira noted that these decisions are not the responsibility of the current Minister of Social Affairs or pharmacists. He highlighted that the financial balances of pharmacies are fragile, and not receiving their dues could exacerbate their financial difficulties.

Amira pointed out that the issue of the "Al-Kanama" crisis does not affect all pharmacies equally, as the third-party payer system primarily concerns the middle class. He added that the interest of the middle class in this matter varies from one region to another. The union had previously informed the National Health Insurance Fund and the Ministry of Social Affairs of its decision to halt work on the third-party payer system starting November.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, Amira proposed establishing a fund to recover dues, which would ensure that each social fund pays its own dues. He believes that the three social funds will not be able to reach an agreement due to their different priorities. Amira also commented on the tax benefits granted to the Central Pharmacy and the National Agency for Medicines under the 2027 state budget draft.

According to Amira, this measure has been in place for years and will be renewed, but it does not serve Tunisian manufacturers; rather, it improves the situation of the Central Pharmacy. The dispute highlights the challenges faced by private pharmacies in Tunisia and the need for a sustainable solution to ensure their financial stability.

The situation remains tense as the parties seek a resolution. Amira's call for calm and dialogue is seen as a step towards finding a mutually beneficial solution. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the future of private pharmacies in Tunisia and the accessibility of healthcare services to the population.

Key points

• The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union head, Nofel Amira, urges calm and dialogue in a dispute with the Ministry of Social Affairs over unpaid dues to private pharmacies.
• Amira proposes establishing a fund to recover dues to ensure that each social fund pays its own dues.
• The dispute highlights the challenges faced by private pharmacies in Tunisia and the need for a sustainable solution to ensure their financial stability.