Tunisia Accelerates Digital Transformation of Healthcare System

Tunisia is accelerating the digital transformation of its healthcare system by leveraging telemedicine, electronic medical records (EMR), and artificial intelligence (AI). At the opening of TeleHealth Connect 2026, Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani emphasized that access to care, data protection, and digital sovereignty are central to this evolution.

The Rise of the "Digital Hospital"

The Minister highlighted the development of the "digital hospital", which includes:

Tele-imaging
Teleconsultations
Remote sharing of medical expertise

The primary goal is to bring specialized skills closer to patients in remote regions and to strengthen support for local medical teams. Another key initiative mentioned is the "Najda" pathways, dedicated specifically to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergencies. These pathways are designed to improve coordination among healthcare professionals to reduce treatment delays.

Health Data and AI Under Control

The development of a national health identifier and the electronic medical record is also expected to improve care continuity. According to the Minister, medical information must follow the patient, providing healthcare professionals with the necessary elements for faster and better-informed decision-making.

However, this digital transformation must meet three critical conditions:

Equity
Trust
Sustainability

Preventing a New Health Divide

The Minister stressed the risk of the digital divide becoming a new health divide. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with limited digital literacy, must continue to receive human-centered support and assistance.

Data Protection and AI Governance

The position on health data is clear: protection must go hand-in-hand with enhanced cybersecurity for healthcare facilities. This dual approach aims to preserve both patient confidentiality and care continuity.

Furthermore, the Minister called for the regulation of AI use in real-world conditions, ensuring:

Human supervision
Clearly defined responsibilities
Respect for patient rights

Concrete Success Criteria

The Minister outlined concrete criteria for success:

Reducing waiting times
Avoiding unnecessary travel
Accelerating care delivery
Better supporting healthcare professionals