Tunisia – Increased Vigilance: Order of Physicians Issues a Warning Against Abuses

In a recent official statement, the National Order of Physicians of Tunisia has called on all medical practitioners to exercise heightened vigilance concerning issuing official medical documents, in light of a concerning rise in identity theft cases.

Professor Rym Ghachem, President of the Council, has urged strict adherence to Article 27 of the Medical Ethics Code, set under Decree No. 93-1155 of May 17, 1993, which regulates the creation and issuance of certificates, prescriptions, attestations, and other medical documents.

Mandatory Identity Verification: A Legal and Ethical Requirement

The Council stressed that every medical document issued by a physician must include the following information:

• The physician’s identity,

• Their handwritten signature,

• The date of the medical examination that served as the basis for the document,

• The date of issuance,

• And, most importantly, the precise identity of the patient.

It is the direct responsibility of the physician to verify the patient’s identity without exception, regardless of the nature or urgency of the consultation.

Official Documents Required for Patient Identification

This verification must be based on an official, valid identity document, such as:

• A national identity card,

• A passport,

• Or a residence permit for foreign patients.

If such a document is unavailable, no certificate, prescription, attestation, or medical file should be issued.

Protecting Professional and Social Integrity

Beyond the regulatory framework, this requirement is designed to protect patients, doctors, and the integrity of the profession by preventing forgeries, fraud, and identity theft, which can lead to administrative, legal, or social abuses.

The Council underscores that medical vigilance also serves as a legal safeguard, protecting practitioners from inadvertent involvement in potentially serious consequences.

A Clear Reminder Amid Heightened Vigilance

This statement comes as cases of identity theft or document falsification seem to be increasing in certain administrative and medical circuits. The National Order is sending a strong message to all physicians to reinforce their diligence in their daily practices.

Finally, the Council reaffirms its availability for any additional information and invites professionals to reach out in case of doubt or difficulty in interpretation.

This initiative seeks to preserve the trust between healthcare providers, patients, and institutions while ensuring medical practice remains structured, protected, and ethically impeccable.