The Union of Community Pharmacists of Tunisia has decided to suspend the third-party payment system for CNAM policyholders from December 8. A radical measure justified by the accumulation of debts, the financial deterioration of the sector and the absence of clear commitment during the negotiations.
A suspension effective from December 8
Meeting urgently, the National Office of the Union of Community Pharmacists of Tunisia (SPOT) announced the cessation of the delivery of medicines covered by the CNAM from December 8. The union justifies this decision by the non-settlement of the Fund’s debts to pharmacists and the absence of guarantees on the continuation of the contractual framework.
SPOT is calling in particular for clarification of the legal framework for pharmacies, urgent measures to stabilize the distribution chain and the granting of exceptional funding to the CNAM within the framework of the 2026 finance law.
No guarantee from negotiations
Despite ongoing discussions between the CNAM and the profession, the union affirms that no “clear vision” or “official commitment” has emerged. The pharmacists say they find themselves facing “serious questions” about the future of their contractual relationship with the Fund, a situation considered “serious and unprecedented”.
A pharmaceutical sector on the verge of asphyxiation
The press release describes a sector that has already been weakened for years and is now plunged into a crisis accentuated by the failure of negotiations with drug wholesalers. The latter, themselves faced with a critical economic situation, are struggling to maintain their activities, which poses a risk to the entire chain: local manufacturers, central pharmacy, distributors and pharmacies.
Pharmacies, particularly those located in interior regions and priority economic zones, are now reportedly unable to continue supplying medicines due to stifling financial pressures, threatening access to care for thousands of citizens.
Lack of financial and legal guarantees
According to SPOT, current conditions no longer make it possible to ensure continuous service to CNAM policyholders. It points to the absence of financial and legal guarantees essential to maintaining the third-party payment system and the economic viability of pharmacies.
The national office nevertheless emphasizes remaining open to any serious initiative likely to provide lasting solutions, while respecting the rights of patients, the dignity of pharmacists and the stability of the health system.
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