Young Resident and Intern Doctors Go on Strike
Young resident and intern doctors observed a general strike on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, accompanied by a rally in front of the Assembly of People's Representatives, in parallel with the session dedicated to examining the budget of the Ministry of Health. The strike aimed to denounce the ministry's failure to respect the agreement concluded on July 3, 2025.
Protest and Demands
During the rally, protesters held slogans such as:
- "The ministry is the same, the doctor is the victim"
- "Illusory promises, legal breaches"
- "People's health, a duty" These slogans criticized what they considered to be the ministry's renunciation of its responsibilities.
Impact of the Strike
The strike affected all medical faculties and health establishments, while maintaining normal operation of emergency services and ensuring guards in other services.
Statement from the President of the Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors
Wajih Dhakar, president of the Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors, stated to the TAP Agency that this movement follows the failure of negotiations with the Ministry of Health, including the last session held on Tuesday with representatives of the government presidency and the Ministry of Finance. "The organization found that the salary increase would be included in the general increase of 100 dinars gross taxable over three years, which constitutes a breach of the July 2025 agreement," he specified.
Reaction and Support
Dhakar expressed his surprise at the lack of reaction from the Order of Doctors regarding the ministry's failure to respect its commitments, emphasizing that this situation exacerbates discontent among young doctors. He also indicated that several deputies have committed to relaying the voice of young doctors during the plenary session on the health budget.
Ministry's Failure to Respect Commitments
The organization highlighted that the ministry has also renounced its commitment to maintaining housing for exceptional categories, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with chronic diseases, compromising the stability and fundamental rights of these groups.
Non-Payment of Guards
According to the organization, the non-payment of certain guards, some dating back to 2020, constitutes a flagrant violation of the national agreement signed over four months ago and testifies to the ministry's inability to respect its commitments.
