Private pharmacies and CNAM in extreme tension over 80 million dinars in unpaid debts
via Business News3 min read
Tensions are escalating between private pharmacy owners and the National Health Insurance Fund CNAM due to funding crises, payment delays, and structural disagreements in the pharmaceutical sector. Zoubeir Guiga, president of the Private Pharmacies Union, stated on June 25, 2026, that while pharmacies are currently ensuring medication supply, they face significant financial strain from delayed reimbursements. He highlighted that CNAM owes private pharmacies approximately 80 million dinars, with payment delays extending from three to four months or more, severely impacting their cash flow. Guiga noted that an agreement with authorities and CNAM, intended to regulate financial relations and guarantee timely payments, is not being implemented, leading to a breakdown of trust. The union is evaluating the situation, with June 30 cited as a critical date that could affect contractual relations and impact citizens' reimbursements. Guiga emphasized a preference for negotiation to avoid a system breakdown. Another point of contention is the unexplained suspension of a digitalization project aimed at modernizing relations between pharmacies and public structures, including the central pharmacy. Additionally, pharmacies are challenging what they consider unjust and variable local taxes from municipalities, particularly on advertising. Despite these challenges, Guiga affirmed the sector's commitment to patient service continuity and urged authorities to intervene to restore financial bal
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Must ReadThe Ebola epidemic continues to advance in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, with active community transmission in several areas, according to the World Health Organization's WHO situation report as of June 21, 2026. While Uganda's situation is more contained, health authorities in both countries maintain a high alert level due to the risk of cross-border spread. In the DRC, the epidemic shows an upward trend with 1,048 confirmed cases and 267 deaths, resulting in a 25.5% case fatality rate. Since the previous report, 240 new confirmed cases and 75 additional deaths have been reported, indicating a significant increase in virus circulation. The disease now affects 34 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces, with Ituri accounting for over 90% of national cases. Bunia, Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Nyankunde zones are among the most affected, comprising nearly 78% of provincial cases. North Kivu is particularly concerning due to a high fatality rate of 54.9%, with persistent transmission in urban and commercial centers like Katwa, Butembo, and Beni. New outbreaks in previously unaffected areas suggest a progressive expansion of the epidemic. The WHO cautions against premature interpretation of declining cases in some areas, citing access difficulties, population mobility, and potential detection delays. Cases are concentrated in adults aged 20 to 49, with active transmission among economically active individuals. Men show a higher fatality rate than women
The parliamentary bloc "For the People to Triumph" announced on Thursday, June 25, 2026, its decision to suspend all cooperation with the current government on matters submitted to the Assembly of People's Representatives. The bloc stated it will no longer engage with the government on any projects or texts presented to Parliament, effective immediately upon the publication of its statement. The declaration, signed by the bloc's president, Abdesslem Dahmani, did not provide reasons for this decision or specify the terms of the suspension. The bloc has not yet indicated whether this decision will involve boycotting parliamentary work, systematically voting against government projects, or other actions within the Assembly.
Must ReadThe Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH, alongside several associations and political parties, has condemned the conviction of human rights activist and Mnemty association president, Saadia Mosbah. They view the eight-year prison sentence, confirmed by the criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal on June 23, 2026, as a step towards criminalizing associative action and human rights defense. Signatories believe the conviction targets not only Mosbah but also the values she upholds in her fight against racism, for equality, solidarity, and human dignity. They argue this occurs amid increasing hate speech and stigmatization campaigns against sub-Saharan migrants and those assisting them. The statement asserts that Mosbah supported sub-Saharan migrants after the presidential speech of February 21, 2023, on irregular migration, which they claim fueled racist discourse and violence against migrants and Black Tunisians. They suggest migrant rights defenders became targets of defamation, leading to legal action against relevant associations. The signatories also contend that the case against Mosbah is political, noting her arrest on May 6, 2024, coincided with the President's renewed criticism of certain associations during a National Security Council meeting. They state that defense evidence shows a lack of foundation for the accusations, and they denounce the disparagement campaigns and racist remarks Mosbah endured. The LTDH and other signatories reaffirm solidarity with Mosbah,