Ministry of Finance Announces Strategic Measure to Support Tunisia's Central Pharmacy
During a plenary session held at the Bardo Palace on Tuesday, Finance Minister Sihem Nemsia announced a strategic measure to support Tunisia's Central Pharmacy.
This decision involves suspending Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the importation of certain medications with available generics, an initiative designed to alleviate the financial difficulties faced by this key player in the healthcare sector.
Addressing deputies gathered for a joint session between the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) and the National Council of Regions and Districts (CNRD), Nemsia emphasized the importance of preserving the Central Pharmacy's regulatory role.
In response to concerns related to the national pharmaceutical industry, the minister specified that the importation of the concerned medications would be subject to rigorous analysis.
She also highlighted the numerous benefits enjoyed by this sector, including a reduced VAT rate of 7% (down from 19%) on turnover and raw materials used in the manufacture of medications.
While pharmaceutical product prices remain regulated by the State, this temporary VAT suspension on certain imported products is part of an economic regulation logic. This measure aims to ensure market supply while supporting the local ecosystem.
