The National Chamber of Medical Supplies, affiliated with the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), raised the alarm on Tuesday over a severe financial crisis affecting the sector due to the accumulation of unpaid debts owed to supplier companies by the Ministry of Health and, to a lesser extent, the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM).
The chamber warned that continued payment delays threaten the survival of more than 600 companies and could disrupt hospitals’ access to medical supplies and equipment maintenance services.
During a press conference held at UTICA headquarters in Tunis, Chamber President Lotfi Ben Yedder said companies are no longer able to maintain the necessary stocks to meet healthcare facilities’ needs.
He warned that the situation could quickly lead to shortages of medical devices, affecting surgical procedures and the quality of healthcare services.
He noted that some unpaid invoices date back to 2020, while outstanding payments from 2025 and 2026 have yet to be settled.
The delays have severely weakened companies’ cash flow, with several firms already suspending commercial activities in an attempt to recover their dues.
Most affected companies are small and medium-sized enterprises, which are now struggling to pay employees and meet their financial obligations.
