Tunisia’s parliamentary Committee on health, women, family, social affairs, and disability held a hearing with representatives of the National Coordination of Health Workers on the draft law governing the general status of the health sector.
The coordination argued that although the draft law acknowledges in its first article that health professions are strenuous, this recognition is not reflected in the remaining chapters. They criticised the text for being largely modelled on the 1983 civil service law, which they say does not reflect the unique realities of the health sector.
The representatives highlighted disparities between public health institutions with autonomous status and regular civil service structures, noting that the former provide staff with significant benefits not addressed in the draft law. To address these concerns, they submitted a memorandum and a written proposal suggesting major amendments, including the introduction of new chapters focused on financial incentives and career benefits for health workers. Key proposals include the creation of a 13th month salary, career advancement opportunities, and measures to encourage medical staff to work in underserved regions.
Additional incentives outlined in their proposal include access to official housing, the option of early retirement at 55, and supplementary health coverage after retirement. The coordination also called for stronger protections for health personnel, such as harsher criminal penalties for assaults on health workers in the course of their duties. They stressed that these reforms are essential to retain staff, curb the exodus of skilled professionals, and ensure equity across Tunisia’s health system.