Tunisian Doctor Calls for Reevaluation of Diabetes Treatment Restrictions
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Dr. Habib Jerbi, President of the Tunisian Society of General and Family Medicine, called for a reevaluation of the decision made by the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products, which limits the prescription of a new diabetes treatment to a select group of specialist doctors.
During a phone interview on the Yom Saïd show on Radio Nationale, Dr. Jerbi criticized what he sees as the exclusion of general and family medicine from the prescription of this treatment, highlighting that these doctors play a crucial role in patient follow-up.
According to the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products' decision, this medication can only be dispensed with a prescription from specialist doctors in endocrinology-diabetology, internal medicine, cardiology, nephrology, and nutrition.
Dr. Jerbi pointed out that this treatment not only helps lower blood sugar levels but also aids in weight loss. He noted that the agency expressed concerns about potential abuse or misuse of the medication.
The cost of this new medication is estimated at 355 dinars per box (for a monthly consumption), and Dr. Jerbi emphasized that it is not covered by the country's social security system (CNAM).
It is worth noting that this new diabetes medication was launched in Tunisia on May 2, 2026, marking a first in the country due to its unique administration method, which involves a single weekly injection. Tunisian pharmacies began distributing the treatment to the general public on May 6, 2026.
Key Points:
- Dr. Habib Jerbi calls for a reevaluation of the decision to limit the prescription of a new diabetes treatment to specialist doctors.
- The treatment is not covered by the country's social security system (CNAM).
- The cost of the medication is estimated at 355 dinars per box (for a monthly consumption).
- The treatment involves a single weekly injection and is a first in Tunisia due to its unique administration method.
- The National Agency for Medicines and Health Products expressed concerns about potential abuse or misuse of the medication.
