Summary:

Multiple recent reports have highlighted the ongoing challenge faced by Tunisians in accessing medicine, including reports from Reuters, The National, and the Minority Rights Group.

As the economic crisis in Tunisia has continued for an extended period following the COVID-19 pandemic, access to medicine has been an ongoing problem.

Medicines are among items imported by the Tunisian government and heavily subsidized. Distribution of medicine is centralized and managed by the Central Pharmacy of Tunisia, with larger cities receiving greater access to both drugs and medical services.

In late 2022, government budget shortfalls led to announcements by several large pharmaceutical producers that they would be exiting the Tunisian market. Since that time, medicine shortages at hospitals and pharmacies have continued across the country.

It has long been the case that Tunisians seeking advanced medical care have been required to travel to facilities in Tunis. However, reports increasingly indicate that even in Tunis doctors are struggling to source the necessary medicine.

Outlook:  

Medicine shortages will likely continue and be exasperated by government budget shortfalls that plague subsidized industries.

Similar challenges have recently been observed in the coffee and flour sectors, both of which play an important role in daily life for Tunisians and have seen shortages worsening in recent weeks.

Our team is continuing to watch for economic and social indicators, including the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, that could lead to social unrest or broader instability in Tunisia.

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