“The Ministry is following what is being reported through the media, about the work of the medical clinical isolation centres in implementing the preventative measures,” the Health Minister for Libya’s eastern-based Interim Government, Saad Agoub, said on Tuesday.
According to Agoub, the next stage in combatting the virus requires greater effort in carrying out more difficult tasks. This is why he stressed that “all people who are negligent in the performance of their duties required during this critical health stage, will be held accountable”.
Agoub pointed out that “measures have been taken to correct some mistakes committed by some violators”, noting that “the Ministry and its municipal offices are conducting investigations with the neglected, and strict measures will be taken against those who have not carried out their duties”.
Agoub called on medical, and auxiliary teams, as well as graduate medical students, and the Red Crescent to support government efforts to combat COVID-19.
He stressed the necessity for the municipal authorities to take the necessary precautionary measures, to limit the spread of the epidemic.
“Cases of the virus have appeared in a number of municipalities. This requires the local authorities to implement strict control at all levels, and adhere to the precautionary measures,” he said.
He explained that the MoH distributes medicines, medical supplies, and protective gear to workers in the health sector periodically. The government, in coordination with the Supreme Committee to Combat Coronavirus, is monitoring the distribution mechanisms to ensure that it reaches its beneficiaries in hospitals, medical centres, and quarantine centres throughout eastern Libya.
Agoub added that “the Ministry will not tolerate any failure to provide health services to citizens and patients, or the failure of workers to comply with the instructions of the Supreme Committee to Combat Coronavirus, and the recommendations by the Medical Advisory Committee. We will take immediate administrative measures to address this”.
He stressed that the Supreme Committee and the Medical Committee updated preventive and curative measures to ensure the disease does not spread, in line with the latest advice given by international organisations. The infection rate has increased during this period due to a lack of social distancing and limited adherence to preventative measures.