The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity has urged citizens to coordinate with official authorities before travelling abroad for medical treatment, warning against the risks of unregulated healthcare facilities and potential legal violations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry emphasised the importance of prior coordination with the Agency for Support and Development of Health Services, as well as with Libyan embassies and diplomatic missions abroad. The aim, it said, is to ensure that citizens access only verified medical centres and qualified professionals to safeguard their health and well-being.
The ministry cautioned particularly against undergoing kidney transplants and other complex medical procedures in unlicensed or unmonitored clinics. It noted that some of these facilities have been linked to practices amounting to human organ trafficking, a crime prohibited by Libyan law and international conventions.
According to the statement, several citizens have faced severe medical complications after undergoing surgeries in such unauthorised centres, with many procedures reportedly failing and resulting in life-threatening consequences.
The Foreign Ministry also highlighted the financial and humanitarian toll on affected patients and their families, saying that many private institutions exploit citizens’ medical needs through informal channels that may expose them to criminal liability.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Libyan citizens abroad and promoting safe, legal, and ethical medical practices. It urged anyone seeking treatment overseas to rely solely on accredited healthcare networks and official government referrals.
This warning comes amid growing concerns about medical tourism scams in neighbouring countries and rising reports of organ trafficking involving vulnerable patients from Libya and other parts of North Africa.
