The Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors (OTJM) announced a national general strike for November 19, denouncing the “laxity and contempt” of the Ministry of Health in the face of their unanswered demands. This movement, decided after general assemblies in medical faculties, marks a new escalation in a social conflict which has been brewing for several months.
A coordinated protest movement across the country
The strike will affect all medical faculties and health and university structures in the country. According to the organization’s press release, emergency services will remain open, but other services will operate slowly, limited to essential guards.
At the same time, the young practitioners are planning a demonstration in front of the Assembly of People’s Representatives, the same day of the plenary session devoted to the budget of the Ministry of Health, in order to make their demands heard at the heart of the parliamentary debate.
An agreement still not respected since July
The movement is part of the protest against non-compliance with the agreement signed on July 3, 2025 between the Ministry of Health, the Order of Physicians and representatives of young practitioners.
This agreement, presented at the time as a “historic compromise”, notably provided for the payment of childcare allowances before the end of August 2025; the implementation in September of measures of exemption, postponement or maintenance of the place of assignment within the framework of civil service; and the publication of a decree increasing the monthly salary from January 1, 2026.
None of these promises have, according to the OTJM, been respected to date. Young doctors denounce a persistent administrative blockage and accuse the Ministry of Health of not keeping its commitments, despite several reminders and technical meetings.
Anger growing in hospitals
The Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors warns of “inevitable disruptions” in public hospitals and holds the Ministry of Health and the Order of Physicians responsible for the growing tensions.
She affirms that she remains open to a serious and effective dialogue, but warns that she will continue her actions “until the full application of the agreement and the restoration of confidence in the reform of the public health system”.
This strike on November 19 promises to be a test of the balance of power between the medical profession in training and the authorities, at a time when the Tunisian health system is already suffering from a glaring lack of personnel and resources.
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