The Spanish Embassy in Libya has reported that Spanish medical professionals have successfully completed over 400 surgeries across various disciplines and provided treatment to more than 3,000 Libyan patients since October 2022.
Since the initiation of their efforts in October 2022, more than 25 Spanish specialists have participated in ten medical missions to Libya. These missions were conducted in collaboration with the Libyan Center for Emergencies and Medical Support, focusing on delivering healthcare services within the country and facilitating the training of the center’s young medical staff in the latest medical and surgical techniques.
Feedback from the Emergency and Medical Support Center (EMSC) indicates positive outcomes from the collaboration with the Spanish medical teams, as highlighted by the Spanish Embassy in Libya.
During the most recent campaign, a team comprising four orthopedic and fracture surgery specialists, a plastic and reconstructive surgery expert, and a Libyan doctor practicing in Spain undertook 70 major surgical procedures.
In addition, discussions on enhancing healthcare cooperation were held last week between Libya’s acting Health Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Ramadan Abu Janah, and Ahmed Zwiten, a WHO representative and mission head in Libya. Their conversation covered the introduction of a healthcare financing system aimed at achieving inclusive participation and sustainability, the improvement of healthcare services accessible to all Libyans regardless of age, economic status, or health condition, the launch of WHO’s five-year strategic plan for Libya, and the digital transformation of the healthcare system.
Libya has faced significant challenges since the 2011 NATO-supported uprising that led to the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, resulting in ongoing political divisions and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has caused numerous casualties and displacements, while migrants and refugees using Libya as a passage to Europe have encountered severe conditions.