Resolution of the Tunisian Central Pharmacy Crisis: A New Era for Public Hospitals
Now that the Tunisian Central Pharmacy (PCT) crisis has been resolved thanks to the salvaging efforts of President Kais Saied, it is a matter of pride to note that public hospitals are regaining their former aura and image. Through the creation of the Instance of Access to All Medicines, regardless of their price, access to medication is now possible for all patients.
A Historic Decision
Why are we content with dedicating only a few lines in local newspapers to announcements and decisions of proven historical importance, which constitute the fundamental basis of the equitable and shared development approach implemented by the President of the Republic and executed by the government at an increasingly rapid pace? This is the case with the announcement made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Mustapha Ferjani, regarding the future creation of the National Instance for Monitoring Access to Medicines for all medical specialties, particularly for diseases considered difficult to treat.
Improved Access to Medication
In simpler terms, public hospital patients will have the right, if the expected instance functions as planned, to obtain medications that are not currently available in pharmacies from public hospital pharmacies. It is clear that patients will no longer be forced to go into debt to acquire a package of capsules for a chronic disease.
Putting an End to "Public Medicinal Misery"
This is one of the fundamental demands aimed at putting a definitive end to the "public medicinal misery" that has been installed in our hospitals and dispensaries long before the revolution and "which unfortunately intensified during the decade of turmoil." Without forgetting the gangrene that affects public hospital pharmacies due to the daily looting of these pharmacies by officials and workers in state hospitals. This refers to the theft of medications carried out in broad daylight.
The President's Commitment to Public Health
The President of the Republic insists, after having successfully resolved the financial crisis of the Tunisian Central Pharmacy (PCT), that the public health sector regain its former image and that Tunisians reconcile with public hospitals. Additionally, he shows daily interest in national medical competencies that courageously refuse the lure of Gulf and European countries, so that they have the opportunity to showcase their expertise and know-how.
Objectives of the New Instance
The objective of creating the aforementioned Instance is also, as indicated by the Minister, to put an end to the poor management of medication stocks in state hospitals. Another goal is to unify the various health and hospital structures scattered throughout the country, which unfortunately function without coordination or cohesion. This has led to patients being forced to travel to the capital to meet a specialist when one is available in their regional hospital.
Towards Rationalized Medication Consumption
It remains that additional effort must be made to achieve effective rationalization of medication consumption.
