Tunisian Pharmacists' Union Warns of Consequences of Non-Application of Agreement with National Health Insurance Fund
Tunisian Pharmacists' Union Expresses Concern Over Non-Application of Agreement with National Health Insurance Fund
The Syndicat des pharmaciens d'officine de Tunisie (SPOT), the Tunisian pharmacists' union, has issued a warning on Friday regarding the consequences of the non-application of the agreement concluded with the Caisse nationale d'assurance maladie (CNAM), the national health insurance fund. The union has expressed its disappointment over what it describes as a "regression in the application of the agreement's clauses and the non-respect of commitments."
Call for Clear Payment Schedule and Exceptional Fiscal and Social Support
In a statement published on its official page on Friday, the union called for the establishment of a clear and precise payment schedule that guarantees a minimum of funds necessary to ensure the continuity of medication supply to citizens "without disruption." The union also called for the implementation of exceptional fiscal and social support mechanisms for pharmacies facing financial difficulties.
Pharmacies Facing Financial Difficulties Due to Delayed Payments
The union pointed out that a number of private pharmacies have been fined and penalized due to delayed payments to the tax administration, social security funds, or local authorities. However, it emphasized that a significant portion of these delays is due to the liquidity crisis resulting from the delay in payment of claims, particularly from the CNAM.
Need for Fair Application of the Law and Electronic Facturation
In this context, the SPOT highlighted the importance of applying the law to all stakeholders in the medication and healthcare product distribution circuits. The union called for an end to what it describes as "practices aimed at circumventing regulation, invoicing, and tracking" and for the generalization of electronic facturation for all healthcare products.
Translation Notes:
- Caisse nationale d'assurance maladie (CNAM) translates to National Health Insurance Fund.
- Syndicat des pharmaciens d'officine de Tunisie (SPOT) translates to Tunisian Pharmacists' Union.
- Officines privés translates to private pharmacies.
- Collectivités locales translates to local authorities.
