Libya’s efforts to enhance domestic healthcare were spotlighted on Sunday as the Conference on Localising Medical Treatment began in Benghazi, under the patronage of Prime Minister Osama Hammad, appointed by the Parliament-designate government.
Deputy Prime Minister Ali Al-Qatrani, ministers, parliament members, and medical experts from Libya and Egypt attended the event. The initiative forms part of a government strategy to reduce reliance on overseas treatment by improving healthcare services within Libya.
Over the past year, government funding has supported several successful medical procedures in Libyan hospitals. These included surgeries for spinal deformities, corneal transplants, and cochlear implants for children. Advanced operations, such as retinal and glaucoma surgeries, were also conducted alongside the launch of a bone marrow transplant unit.
Deputy Prime Minister Al-Qatrani praised Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s healthcare initiative, describing it as a transformative step towards improving medical services. He also expressed gratitude to Health Minister Dr Osman Abdel Jalil for spearheading reforms, including the launch of a kidney transplant unit at Benghazi Medical Centre.
Al-Qatrani emphasised that the programme aims to alleviate the financial burden of overseas treatments on state funds while enhancing the quality of care available domestically. He also commended Libyan medical professionals for their efforts in achieving these milestones, highlighting the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare.
In his address, Abdel Jalil showcased a documentary featuring complex surgeries performed in Libyan hospitals. He noted that these achievements reflect a broader effort to ensure high-quality medical services for all Libyans and reduce dependence on foreign healthcare facilities.