The shortage of medicines in healthcare facilities and pharmacies, and potential solutions, were the focus of a recent meeting of the Services and Social Development Committee of the National Council of Regions and Districts (CNRD).
During the meeting, members discussed a range of proposals, including field visits to several healthcare facilities in inland regions to identify the true causes of medicine shortages, particularly for treatments of chronic diseases and cancers.
The discussion emphasized the need to strengthen oversight of medicine distribution channels and improve their organization, while continuing efforts to combat medicine smuggling, given its negative impact on the healthcare system.
Several deputies also raised questions about the real reasons behind the decline in production and performance of certain pharmaceutical companies, and whether this is linked to organizational, financial, or logistical challenges.
In this context, the committee stressed the importance of expanding the role of the Central Pharmacy and improving the efficiency of medicine distribution, to ensure that healthcare facilities across the country are supplied in sufficient quantities and on time.
It is worth noting that the committee held a meeting on Monday to set its work schedule and the program of hearings with representatives of ministries and public institutions, as part of its mandate under the CNRD’s internal regulations.
The list of medicines in shortage continues to grow
Molka Moudir, Vice President of the Tunisian Union of Private Pharmacy Owners, confirmed a shortage affecting a large portion of medicines, noting that the list continues to grow, with most affected products intended for chronic disease treatments.
She also highlighted that seasonal flu, which typically begins in October and lasts until around March, tends to peak during cold waves.
Moudir stressed the importance of vaccination against seasonal flu, especially for the elderly, patients with chronic illnesses, allergy sufferers, infants, and pregnant women, noting that the vaccine helps reduce health complications related to the disease.
She explained that early vaccination helps limit the spread of infection, supports the development of necessary immunity, and provides protection against the virus.
Moudir also recalled key preventive measures, such as regular handwashing, wearing masks, and ventilating enclosed spaces.
