It is clear that the brain drain, especially of doctors, is still a matter of public debate, especially in recent years.
The media are all over it, public opinion is all over it, talking at length about it, waxing lyrical about the reasons for this haemorrhage and crying a lot about the failings of a health system that has become endemic.
But until now, there has been no tangible evidence of the extent of this scourge, its seriousness, or its impact on a health system that is already crippled in many ways.
Europe, the main destination for these Tunisian brains, has anticipated the problem of its ageing population and therefore its great need for health workers by setting up an equivalence system that allows foreign doctors to come and practice there.
It’s going to take thousands of actions to convince doctors that things are changing in the country and that it’s worth staying!
Secretary General of the Tunisian Medical Association, Nizar Ladhari, reported that 1,400 doctors left Tunisia in 2024.
Speaking on Express FM on Wednesday, December 11, he explained this trend by the working conditions in hospitals, the violence suffered by medical staff and the arrests of doctors in the exercise of their duties.
He added that this flight of talent “threatens the balance of the Tunisian health system, which is struggling to retain its professionals”.
Nizar Ladhari recalled that the Order had repeatedly called for a permanent police presence in hospitals. The Ministry of Health has finally responded to this request, albeit belatedly.
He also pointed out that banks are refusing to give loans to young doctors to open their practices, which he believes is forcing them to leave the country and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Older doctors also face difficulties. According to Ladhari, doctors over the age of 65 can no longer work full time. In this context, he called for young doctors to be integrated into private practice so that they can be trained by experienced doctors.
The Secretary General of the Tunisian Medical Association also pointed out that some doctors had been trained in selected specialties in exchange for a commitment to practice in the interior of the country, but had not honored their commitment and had left the country.
The Order cannot defend these doctors and Tunisia, through the Order, has asked France not to accept them,’ he concluded.
Here are the promises to get out of the rut!
On Monday, December 9, President Kaïs Saïed, received Minister of Health, Mustapha Ferjani, at the Carthage Palace.
The meeting was an opportunity to discuss a number of issues relating to health infrastructures and the improvement of medical services.
Saied stressed the urgent need to complete hospital projects that are close to completion, but which remain on hold despite the availability of allocated funds. These include facilities in Sebiba, Jelma, Nefta and Bouhajla.
Part of the discussion also focused on the development of remote specialist consultations. This system would make it possible to provide essential care to patients living in regions where health services are not easily accessible.
Discussions also focused on the need to develop a legal framework to encourage doctors, paramedical staff and health workers.
The President of the Republic stressed that many Tunisian professionals living abroad are ready to return and contribute to the development of the health sector, motivated by a heightened sense of national responsibility at this crucial time for Tunisia.
