Tunisia: Parliament Approves Loan Agreement to Modernize Healthcare Services
The Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) adopted, on Thursday, during a plenary session, a draft law approving the first amendment to the loan agreement concluded on February 14, 2019, between the Tunisian Republic and the French Development Agency (AFD). The agreement aims to contribute to the financing of the program to modernize healthcare services in Sidi Bouzid.
The text was adopted in its entirety by 92 votes for, two abstentions, and four votes against.
Program Objectives
The program aims to support the modernization of the regional hospital, rehabilitate public health structures in the governorate, and strengthen governance in the health sector. The project's cost is estimated at 78.3 million euros, financed by a 76 million euro loan from the AFD, as well as grants dedicated to technical assistance and energy efficiency, awarded by the agency (1.3 million euros) and the European Union (approximately 1 million euros). The loan will be repaid over a period of 20 years, including seven years of grace.
Electronic Health Program
During the same session, the ARP also adopted a draft law approving the second amendment, signed on December 27, 2024, to the loan agreement concluded on February 14, 2019, between Tunisia and the AFD, related to the financing of the electronic health program "E-Santé". This amendment modifies the loan agreement for an amount of 27.3 million euros, intended to support the financing of this program. The electronic health program aims to develop the health information system to improve patient care and strengthen public hospital services in Tunisia. It also aims to support the reform and modernization of the health sector through three main components:
- Modernizing and securing health establishment information systems
- Deploying these systems in 24 university hospitals
- Supporting the development and implementation of five regional telemedicine initiatives
These actions concern the governorates of the north, center, and south of the country, with the objective of reducing regional disparities in specialized care, while strengthening the institutional framework of electronic health in Tunisia.
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