The Tunisian private clinics sector is facing a significant financial crisis due to the accumulation of unpaid claims from the Caisse nationale d'assurance maladie (CNAM). According to the Chambre nationale syndicale des cliniques privées, the CNAM has delayed payments for eight months, prompting concerns about the continuity of healthcare services. The situation has worsened the financial difficulties of several clinics, with some struggling to pay suppliers and employees.
The Chambre nationale syndicale des cliniques privées held an extraordinary general assembly on September 24, 2026, to address the issue. The assembly called for an urgent intervention to resolve the payment delays and prevent the situation from compromising the activity of clinics and the continuity of care. The CNAM's delayed payments represent a significant portion of the clinics' revenue, ranging from 30% to 70% of their activity, depending on the establishment and region.
The private clinics also face additional financial challenges due to unpaid claims from the Libyan state since 2016. Despite several verification operations, the issue remains unresolved. Furthermore, the Chambre nationale syndicale des cliniques privées disputes the social security contributions of liberal doctors, such as radiologists and anesthesiologists, who work in clinics. The Chambre argues that these practitioners, who work under their own responsibility and receive direct payment, should pay their own contributions as non-salaried workers.
The Chambre nationale syndicale des cliniques privées is urging the authorities to take urgent measures to regularize payments and preserve the continuity of healthcare services. The situation has significant implications for the healthcare sector in Tunisia, where private clinics play a vital role in providing medical care to patients. The delayed payments have exacerbated the financial difficulties of several clinics, threatening their ability to operate effectively.
The Tunisian healthcare sector has faced several challenges in recent years, including issues related to funding, infrastructure, and resource allocation. The private clinics sector has been particularly affected, with many clinics struggling to maintain their financial stability. The Chambre nationale syndicale des cliniques privées is working to find a solution to the current crisis and ensure the long-term sustainability of private clinics in Tunisia.
The issue has sparked concerns about the impact on patients, who rely on private clinics for medical care. The delayed payments have created uncertainty and anxiety among patients, who may face reduced access to healthcare services if the situation is not resolved. The authorities are under pressure to find a solution to the crisis and ensure the continuity of healthcare services in Tunisia.
The Chambre nationale syndicale des cliniques privées will continue to work with the authorities to find a solution to the crisis. The organization has called for a clear calendar for the payment of outstanding claims and for urgent measures to address the financial difficulties faced by private clinics. The situation remains a pressing concern for the healthcare sector in Tunisia, with implications for patients, clinics, and the broader economy.
Key points
- The CNAM's eight-month delay in paying private clinics has worsened their financial difficulties.
- The situation threatens the continuity of healthcare services in Tunisia.
- The authorities are under pressure to find a solution to the crisis.
