Tunisia advances healthcare system reforms and medical tourism

Tunisia is undergoing a significant transformation of its healthcare system, transitioning from emergency COVID-19 responses to long-term structural improvements and economic development. Through a partnership with the World Bank, more than 140 million USD was mobilized during the pandemic to provide medical oxygen, intensive care reinforcement, and dialysis units.

A new 125 million USD project, supported by the World Bank and the Pandemic Fund, aims to modernize over 50 public health laboratories and upgrade public health emergency operation centers. This initiative focuses on building a more resilient and innovative health infrastructure.

Parallel to these systemic reforms, Tunisia is leveraging its medical sector as an economic driver. Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani reported that over 500,000 foreign patients visit the country annually for medical procedures, with an additional two million visitors arriving for broader health and wellness activities. This medical tourism sector, supported by specialized surgeons and thermal therapy services, is viewed as a key lever for job creation and economic growth alongside the pharmaceutical and digital health industries.