Drug shortage adds to Tunisia’s woes
In light of the successive crises facing Tunisians, pharmacies across the country are suffering drug shortages, which the authorities are unable to resolve.
TUNIS, Tunisia — A drug crisis has hit Tunisia in recent weeks, exacerbated by a strike by medicine distributors, after many international pharmaceutical companies shut down their offices in the North African country.
“I can barely find any of my medicines, all of which I cannot dispense with since they control my blood disease and other illnesses I have,” said Mariam al-Jubari, 68, from Ben Arous governorate in the northeast.
She told Al-Monitor, “The sole victims are the Tunisian citizens. The government is unable to take action and solve the problem of medicines, as well as other problems that suffocate us on a daily basis.”
On Dec. 3, medicine distributors in Tunisia announced a general strike, arguing that the authorities did not reduce tax burdens on their institutions, which are facing severe financial crises.
