Tunisia: Medicine shortages nationwide

Event

Pharmacies and health centers in Tunisia are currently facing shortages of between 60 and 100 different drugs and the country’s strategic stock of medicines is shrinking. As of early April, a number of medications are either unavailable or becoming scarcer, including contraceptive pills, antiseptics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and immunosuppressant drugs.

Context

Tunisia’s Central Pharmacy, which has a monopoly on medicine imports, is facing financial difficulties including significant debts, resulting in a halt in supply from several drug companies.

Advice

Individuals traveling to Tunisia should bring with them a sufficient supply of all necessary medications, accompanied with prescriptions if relevant. All travelers are advised to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to departure and to verify that none of their medications are banned or controlled in Tunisia.