Tunisia-PCT grants 1.3 million FFP2 masks and 25 million surgical ones

The Central Pharmacy of Tunisia (PCT) will give 1.3 million “FFP2” masks and about 25 million surgical ones, stated PCT CEO Khalil Ammous. Talking during a hearing session held by the Health and Social Affairs Committee at the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) and attended by some PCT officials, Ammous points out that regular coordination is secured by Tunisia’s embassy to China to observe the production operation by the suppliers.

He pointed out that the PCT had presented a petition to the Ministry of Finance to claim its release from customs duties and taxes on medical equipment amounting to 24 MD, to decrease the selling price by more than 30%.

Clarifying the MPs’ inquiries about the shortage of some local and imported drugs in the market, distinctly vital ones dedicated to treating chronic diseases, whether in the public or private sector, PCT representatives revealed that this lack is due to payment problems to the supplier. As for rapid screening tests, their number and their delivery times, the PCT CEO stated that the call for tender had been begun and the choice had been made in compliance with the standards recommended by the specialised committee. It is a supplier from South Korea and another from Europe (French-Swiss company) who will provide 400 thousand rapid screening tests in the coming days. This delay in the delivery is due to the global high demand, he explained.