Thousands of young doctors in Tunisia staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday, demanding better pay and warning that the country’s health system is edging toward collapse. The walkout comes amid growing social unrest fuelled by economic hardship and declining public services, posing one of the most significant challenges to President Kais Saied since he assumed sweeping powers in 2021.
At a protest rally in Tunis, young medical professionals wearing white coats gathered near parliament, carrying signs that read “Dignity for doctors” and “Save our hospitals.” Many said they were overwhelmed by poor working conditions, outdated facilities, and shortages of essential medical supplies.
“We are exhausted, underpaid and working in a system that is breaking down,” said Marwa, a young doctor who joined the protest. “If nothing changes, more doctors will leave and the crisis will only deepen.”
Doctors say the combination of low wages and deteriorating infrastructure has already triggered an exodus of young professionals seeking better opportunities in Europe and the Gulf. Leaders of the doctors’ movement vowed to intensify their campaign if authorities fail to act.
“As long as our demands are ignored, we will continue to escalate and push for change,” said Wajih Dhakkar, head of the Young Doctors’ Organisation.
The Health Ministry has not publicly responded to the strike.
Tunisia has faced a series of labour and environmental protests in recent months. Transport workers, bank employees, and residents of Gabes — where pollution issues have been blamed on a state-owned chemical facility — have all staged demonstrations over worsening living conditions.
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