National Bureau of the Tunisian Pharmacists' Union Decides to End Third-Party Payment System for Ordinary Illnesses
The national bureau of the Tunisian pharmacists' union has decided to put an end to the third-party payment system for ordinary illnesses, effective October 1, 2025. This system is implemented under the sectoral agreement between private pharmacies and the National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam).
Reasoning Behind the Decision
The national bureau emphasized, in a motion published after a meeting held yesterday, that this decision will be maintained until practical solutions are found to preserve the sustainability of pharmacies while ensuring the sale of medications to patients suffering from chronic and severe illnesses.
Current Challenges Facing Private Pharmacies
According to the motion, the meeting of the pharmacists' union was dedicated to examining the "delicate situation faced by private pharmacies in Tunisia due to the accumulation of debts and delayed payment of dues by the Cnam, which has led to financial difficulties threatening the continuity of services."
Efforts Made by Pharmacists
The national bureau specified that pharmacists have provided medications to over 3 million Tunisians since the end of 2024, thanks to their personal efforts or through bank credits, without any aid or support from official structures. It estimated that the Cnam's failure to respect its contractual commitments threatens the national medication system.
Need for Practical Measures and Structural Reforms
The national bureau highlighted the importance of practical measures and structural reforms to protect this sector, adding that fragmented and half-hearted solutions are no longer sufficient.
Call to Action
The pharmacists' union has called on its members to attend an extraordinary national assembly on October 25, 2025, to make appropriate decisions, protect private pharmacies, and guarantee citizens' right to access healthcare.
