Tunisia has cleared the final technical hurdle for its national digital health platform, Sahetna.tn, paving the way for citizens to access medical records, manage appointments, and monitor treatments through a unified online portal.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the milestone on July 21, following the completion of technical validations and a cybersecurity audit reviewed during a steering committee meeting on June 10. The system operates using the National Health Identifier (INS)—a unique patient number currently being deployed across public healthcare facilities.
Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani told the National Council of Regions and Districts on June 22 that authorities have already issued over 15,000 INS numbers, with a firm pledge to equip every Tunisian citizen with an identifier before the end of 2026. The INS will eliminate duplicate medical records and ensure seamless continuity of care, regardless of the treating hospital. Additionally, a pilot program now automatically assigns the identifier to newborns through digital birth registration.
North Africa’s Digital Health Push
Tunisia’s initiative mirrors a broader regional transformation. Algeria has been rolling out its nationwide Electronic Medical Record system since this summer, while Morocco launched the pilot phase of its Electronic Care Sheet (FSE) in Kenitra this March. Egypt continues to expand digital services via private platforms like Vezeeta, which has significantly boosted online booking and teleconsultation.
According to the World Health Organization and the African Union, over 60% of African countries have adopted or begun implementing national digital health strategies. However, both organizations caution that fragmented data systems and insufficient interoperability continue to limit the effective use of health information across the continent.
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