The Head of the Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Authority in Bani Walid, Mohamed Abu Al-Niran, has issued a stark warning about the potential closure of the service due to severe resource shortages and neglect by the relevant authorities.
In a televised statement, Abu Al-Niran expressed his concerns:
“We may be forced, with deep regret, to shut down due to a complete lack of resources and ongoing negligence by the responsible bodies. We have not received any support from the Libyan state that would enable us to continue operating and may have to close at any moment.”
Critical Shortages Amid Growing Needs
Highlighting the challenges, Abu Al-Niran explained that the authority lacks essential equipment to address weather emergencies, following warnings issued by the National Center of Meteorology. He added that the service is operating with only three functioning ambulances, while many vehicles remain out of service and in urgent need of repair.
He emphasized that the authority also lacks desert vehicles, safety tools, uniforms, bedding, and basic supplies, leaving drivers without the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.
Serving a Wide Population Without Support
Despite its limitations, the Ambulance and Emergency Authority serves around 140,000 people across a geographically vast area, including three municipalities.
Abu Al-Niran appealed to both the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, and the Libyan Government-designate under Osama Hammad, urging them to provide immediate support. He also called on the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Social Security Fund to intervene, stressing the humanitarian nature of the services provided by the authority.
