The Libyan healthcare sector is at a crossroads, grappling with the remnants of political instability and conflict, which have beleaguered the nation for years. As the country strides towards normalcy, addressing healthcare challenges is paramount. The inaugural meeting of the conference on “Developing the Healthcare System for Better Healthcare” marked a significant stride towards this objective.
Libya’s healthcare system has historically been hindered by political unrest, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of medical professionals. The situation exacerbated post-2011, with the civil war causing substantial damage to healthcare facilities, and forcing many medical professionals to flee. The ongoing conflict and political instability continue to undermine healthcare delivery.
The first meeting of the conference themed, “Opportunities and Challenges” was held, with the Libyan Minister of Health, Osman Abdel-Jalil, the Head of the Preparatory Committee, Said Attia Darsi, and the Head of the Scientific Committee, Randa Al-Amroni, leading the discussions.
During this meeting, several objectives of the conference were outlined. These included evaluating the healthcare system to identify its strengths and weaknesses, reviewing and activating comprehensive national strategies in healthcare, developing primary healthcare as an entry point to reforming the healthcare system, identifying the obstacles and challenges facing the healthcare system, along with exploring the development of hospital performance and leveraging international Arab medical systems.
The main axes of the conference encompassed evaluating the current state of the healthcare system, versus development needs, reviewing and enhancing primary healthcare, revisiting national health strategies, and spotlighting secondary and specialised healthcare.
Abdel-Jalil expressed his full support for the conference, with the aim of developing healthcare and improving the level of health services provided to citizens.
The evaluation of the current healthcare system is crucial for pinpointing areas that require immediate attention. The conference aims to undertake a thorough review to identify strengths and weaknesses, which is the first step towards formulating actionable strategies for improvement.
A significant focus will also be on revisiting and activating national strategies, to ensure they are aligned with the current needs and future aspirations of the sector.
Primary healthcare serves as the cornerstone for a robust healthcare system. The conference aims to develop primary healthcare services, which are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention.
The conference also plans to shed light on secondary and specialised healthcare services, which are crucial for handling more complex health issues and ensuring the overall well-being of the population.
Exploring collaborations, and learning from international and Arab medical systems can provide valuable insights, and support in enhancing Libya’s healthcare system.