Minister of Social Affairs, Issam Lahmar, has just announced the opening of five new specialized medicine distribution centers in several districts across multiple governorates, namely Jendouba, Kasserine, Médenine, Mahdia, and Siliana.
He confirmed that, in addition, four new specialized medicine distribution centers will open their doors before the end of next October.
During a dialogue session held by the National Council of Regions and Districts, the minister stated that two specialized medicine distribution centers have already begun operations in the governorates of Jendouba and Kasserine, while those established in Médenine, Mahdia, and Siliana will become operational in September or October.
The total number of these centers will reach 19 by the end of 2025, he added.
The Minister of Social Affairs emphasized that his department is currently working on launching new regional and local centers for the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM), which will feature citizen reception services and diversified benefits, in addition to opening several branches of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) in multiple governorates and districts.
He noted that the ministry is working to provide more specialized education centers in several governorates to support autistic children, adding that these centers will gradually cover all governorates.
In the same context, he mentioned that officials from the Department of Health and Occupational Safety have begun field visits to integrated education centers to verify their compliance with nationally applied standards.
He indicated that his department is working to promote adult learning programs to provide this group with a degree of autonomy, in addition to strengthening the illiteracy eradication program.
New approach to social security
Regarding the reform of the social security system ordered by President Kais Saied, the minister stressed that this reform will be based on a new approach that aligns with the specificities of the country’s current situation, noting that all outdated concepts and systems that have proven ineffective will be discarded.
He clarified that the unemployment insurance fund project is fully prepared and will soon be submitted to the President of the Republic.
This fund will allow those who have lost their jobs due to economic difficulties to receive compensatory benefits.
Additionally, Lahmar noted that the AMEN Social program, which has sparked widespread controversy, is currently under review by the Ministry of Social Affairs to verify the eligibility of its beneficiaries.
Tunisia produces 80% of Its medicine needs
It is worth recalling that CEO of the Central Pharmacy, Chokri Hammouda, stated that the Tunisian pharmaceutical industry has a well-developed infrastructure, including 42 factories for human-use medicines and 4 others for veterinary medicines.
He added that Tunisia produces 80% of its medicine needs. “95% of these medicines are generics, while the remaining 5% are purely Tunisian products. They are as effective as brand-name drugs and significantly cheaper,” he explained.
