Critical Situation in Tunisia's Pharmacy Sector
The Tunisian Pharmacists' Union (SPOT) is warning of a critical situation in the sector and is threatening to suspend coverage of social security beneficiaries starting from July 1, 2026, if financial commitments related to the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) are not respected by June 30, 2026.
Deepening Crisis of Confidence
In a statement made public on June 24, 2026, the union mentions a deep crisis of confidence with the CNAM, fueled by accumulated payment delays and unfulfilled commitments despite an agreement reached under the mediation of public authorities, including the Presidency of the Republic and relevant ministries. According to the SPOT, this agreement provided for a gradual settlement of debts over six months and a return to normal functioning between the two parties. However, pharmacists claim that the commitments have not been respected, putting them under financial pressure, particularly in terms of tax and treasury obligations.
Potential Suspension of Social Security Coverage
Facing this situation, pharmacies are warning that they may no longer accept prescriptions from social security beneficiaries starting in July, which would effectively suspend the third-party payment mechanism. This decision would have a direct impact on access to medication for thousands of patients. The union speaks of a progressive deterioration of the relationship with the CNAM and estimates that the continuity of the current system is no longer sustainable without immediate regularization of payments.
Tensions with Municipalities and Illegal Signage Removal
Beyond the financial aspect, the statement also denounces tensions with certain municipalities. The SPOT points to operations to remove pharmacy signage, which it considers illegal and based on administratively contested circulars. The union claims that several decisions have already been annulled or disavowed by administrative justice, but pressure practices continue on the ground. Incidents have even escalated into verbal assaults and forced interventions in certain pharmacies. In response, the SPOT announces the preparation of a national day of anger, with the extinguishing of pharmacy neon signs and potential additional protest actions.
Relaunching the Pharmacie Centrale de Tunisie Project
Thirdly, the union calls for the relaunch of several structural projects, including the digitization of exchanges between the Pharmacie Centrale and pharmacists, a project presented as advanced but now at a standstill according to the statement. The objective displayed by the SPOT is to guarantee more transparency and better equity in the distribution of medication across the entire territory.
Key Points:
- The SPOT is threatening to suspend social security coverage due to unfulfilled financial commitments by the CNAM.
- A deep crisis of confidence exists between the SPOT and the CNAM, fueled by payment delays and unfulfilled commitments.
- Tensions with municipalities have led to illegal signage removal and pressure practices against pharmacies.
- The SPOT is calling for the relaunch of the Pharmacie Centrale de Tunisie project to improve transparency and equity in medication distribution.
