The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union (SPOT) has issued a statement recalling the Caisse nationale d’assurance maladie (CNAM) of its obligation to pay pharmacies within 14 working days for services rendered under the third-party payment system. This comes as a dispute between the CNAM and pharmacists continues. The union cites Article 40 of the sectoral convention between the CNAM and pharmacists, which stipulates payment within 14 working days of receiving the pharmacist's invoice.
The SPOT's statement is a response to the Ministry of Social Affairs' announcement that it would suspend payments to pharmacies until the third-party payment system is reinstated. Pharmacists had previously decided to suspend the system from November 1. The union claims it has been in contact with authorities since September to obtain payment of outstanding sums, including verbal promises and written correspondence.
Despite these efforts, no concrete solution has been found. The situation has caused concern among pharmacists, with the Conseil national de l’Ordre des pharmaciens expressing worries that the suspension of payments could exacerbate the sector's difficulties. The CNAM owes pharmacies over 180 million dinars in arrears, with payment delays of up to six months reported in July.
The non-payment of debts has weakened pharmacies, with around 300 out of 2000 conventioned pharmacies having already suspended the third-party payment system in July. By the end of October, nearly 300 pharmacies out of 2500 were experiencing difficulties in honoring their commitments to suppliers, with payment delays of 90 to 100 days.
The suspension of the third-party payment system risks affecting social insured individuals, who may have to pay for their medication upfront before requesting reimbursement. The disagreement between the CNAM and pharmacists now concerns both the payment of accumulated debts and the conditions for resuming the third-party payment system.
The SPOT's statement aims to remind the CNAM of its contractual obligations, as pharmacists face significant financial difficulties. The union hopes to find a solution to the dispute, which has been ongoing for several months. The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.
The dispute highlights the challenges faced by pharmacies in Tunisia, which are struggling with delayed payments and financial difficulties. The SPOT's efforts to secure payment for pharmacists aim to ensure the continued provision of essential services to patients.
Key points
- The CNAM owes pharmacies over 180 million dinars in arrears.
- The suspension of the third-party payment system risks affecting social insured individuals.
- The SPOT cites Article 40 of the sectoral convention, which stipulates payment within 14 working days.
