UGTT demands cancellation of medicine price increases, denounces impact on right to healthcare
The Tunisian General Labour Union UGTT has called for the immediate reversal of recent medicine price increases, stating that these hikes undermine the right to healthcare for many Tunisians. In a statement released on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the UGTT's Department of Social Protection and the Unorganized Sector criticized the increases, particularly for essential medicines, given the deteriorating purchasing power of citizens. The union argues that these price adjustments are not mere updates but reflect a decision to burden citizens with the healthcare system's financial difficulties, in the absence of structural reforms. They warn that this could lead patients to abandon or interrupt treatments, resulting in significant health and social consequences. The UGTT emphasized that even those with free or reduced-cost healthcare are affected due to supply issues and financial constraints in public health institutions. The union insists that the right to health should not be solely subject to budgetary limitations and urges the state to ensure national pharmaceutical security and support public institutions. They also advocate for integrating informal sector workers into a comprehensive social and health coverage system, strengthening the National Health Insurance Fund Cnam, and financially supporting the Central Pharmacy to safeguard the country's drug security. Furthermore, the UGTT promotes developing the national pharmaceutical industry to reduce import dependency and calls f