Eight months of unpaid CNAM claims: the Chamber warns clinics may have to stop operating

On 24 September 2026, the National Syndical Chamber of Private Clinics held an extraordinary general assembly at UTICA headquarters on relations with the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) and its dispute with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).

In the statement issued afterwards, the Chamber said private clinics have not been paid by CNAM for eight months, although they continue to treat insured patients. According to the Chamber, CNAM-covered care accounts for 30% to 70% of clinics' activity depending on the facility and region, and many clinics are at risk of closing.

The Chamber makes three demands: an immediate, clear payment schedule for the accumulated CNAM arrears; a joint note from CNSS clarifying the status of self-employed doctors working in clinics; and diplomatic and financial mediation with the Libyan authorities to settle debts accumulated since 2016.

The sector comprises some 112 private clinics with more than 7,100 beds, and holds nearly two-thirds of the country's heavy medical equipment.