Tunisian Cancer Patients Face Mounting Obstacles to Treatment
Tunis, Tunisia – A growing number of Tunisian cancer patients are facing significant delays and difficulties in accessing vital treatment, highlighting a strain on the nation’s healthcare system. Abdullah Rawagh’s recent experience exemplifies this struggle. After months of traveling from his home in Zaghouan Governorate to the Saleh Aziz Hospital in Tunis, a leading specialist center, he was unable to secure medication or even a chemotherapy appointment for his sister.
The Saleh Aziz Hospital is reportedly overwhelmed with patients traveling from across the country, many forced to spend nights in corridors while awaiting consultations, medication, or chemotherapy sessions.the sheer volume of patients seeking care is creating lengthy delays and adding to the suffering of those already battling serious illness.
Rawagh was unable to bring his sister to her latest appointment due to her declining health, hoping to at least obtain a prescription or schedule future treatment. Though, the doctor requested another visit, adding further hardship and uncertainty to their already challenging situation.
“This is the tenth time I’ve traveled between Zaghouan and the capital with my sister,” Rawagh told Al Jazeera.”The appointment was to get medication and schedule chemotherapy, but we got nothing. The doctor asked us to come again, or her appointment will be delayed.”
Rawagh,who supports his family through irregular work,has prioritized his sister’s care since her diagnosis four months ago. Despite his own financial difficulties, he continues to navigate the complex healthcare system, fearing each visit might potentially be his last chance to secure the treatment she desperately needs.The situation at Saleh Aziz Hospital underscores a growing concern about access to cancer care in Tunisia, leaving patients and their families facing a daunting and emotionally draining battle against both the disease and the system itself.
Keywords: Tunisia, Cancer Treatment, Healthcare, Saleh Aziz Hospital, Patient Access, Chemotherapy, Medical Delays, North Africa, Public Health.
