Labès Card: CNAM Speeds Up Healthcare System Digitalization in Tunisia

The Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie (CNAM) is taking a major step in its digital transition with the large-scale deployment of the “Labès” card, which will permanently substitute the old paper-based health insurance card.

After delays caused by the Covid crisis, the project is now back on track with ambitious goals set for 2025.

A Strategic Project for CNAM’s Modernization

According to Karim Romdhani, Director of Basic Health Insurance Management, the “Labès” card represents a major advancement in simplifying and securing healthcare access. Initially launched in 2019, this electronic card is part of a broader program to modernize Tunisia’s healthcare system.

So far, almost 2 million cards have been issued through a partnership with La Poste Tunisienne, which handles their distribution. Nevertheless, 1.5 to 1.7 million affiliates have yet to receive their cards. Intensive efforts will be made to close this gap and ensure universal adoption.

An Electronic Card to Simplify Healthcare Access

With the “Labès” card, insured people will be able to:

• Access healthcare services through an automated card reader.
• Check their reimbursement limits through a digital platform.
• Ensure the security of personal data.
  ✔ Better manage healthcare expenses.

For healthcare professionals, the card will streamline patient identification and improve medical follow-ups through a digital platform that has already been integrated into all public hospitals.

Supporting a Smooth Transition

To ensure a successful transition, training sessions will be held in public hospitals in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. These six-month sessions will help professionals adapt to the new system.

Additionally, a permanent CNAM office will be set up in major hospitals to handle technical issues in real-time and improve patient care.

The “Labès” card won’t be restricted to public hospitals—a new agreement addendum will allow private clinics and medical offices to gradually integrate the system as well.

A Well-Managed Investment Despite Higher Costs

Producing electronic health cards is more costly than paper ones, but Karim Romdhani reassures that long-term savings will outweigh initial costs by reducing paperwork and optimizing medical file management.

A public tender will soon be launched for the production of new cards, which will be valid for 15 years and automatically renewed through affiliated institutions, eliminating the need for frequent updates by citizens.

A Nationwide Awareness Campaign Coming Soon

To encourage insured individuals and healthcare professionals to collect their “Labès” cards, CNAM is preparing to launch a large-scale communication campaign. The goal is to ensure rapid and widespread adoption of this game-changing technology, which marks a turning point in Tunisia’s health insurance management.