Tunisian Private Pharmacy Owners' Union Suspends Medication Delivery
The National Bureau of the Tunisian Union of Private Pharmacy Owners decided on Wednesday to suspend the delivery of medications under the third-party payment system for affiliates of the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM), effective December 8th.
In this context, Naoufel Amira, the former President of the Private Pharmacy Owners' Union, confirmed on Thursday, December 4, 2025, that the financial deficit of pharmacies has reached a considerable level. He emphasized that the crisis between the two parties began in 2015, following the government's decision at the time to advance the payment of retirement pensions over the transfer of funds from the Social Security Fund and the Retirement and Social Welfare Fund to the benefit of the Health Insurance Fund.
Amira stated, in a statement to the "Expresso" program, that the current situation has become suffocating and that it is no longer possible to move forward, confirming that funding is not available and that the crisis has reached an unprecedented phase. He added that the decision to suspend the delivery of medications under the third-party payment system will have a direct impact on citizens, particularly those suffering from chronic diseases, in a context of declining purchasing power.
Amira affirmed that the Union is seeking urgent solutions, calling for attentive ears and long-term stability for the system, beyond the annual conventions between private pharmacies and the CNAM, so that the sector can establish clear and sustainable programs. Amira also called for a revision of the collaboration model with the CNAM, emphasizing that the citizen's health remains a priority no less important than retirement expenses, and urged avoiding the crisis to preserve the health of citizens.
