Libya faces healthcare crisis
- 13 years ago
From newborn babies to injured fighters, many Libyan hospitals are struggling to treat patients.
As the interim government works to restore order after months of conflict, healthcare is suffering from the instability.
Here in the former Gaddafi stronghold of Sabha, sewage fills the street outside the hospital gates, and staff members say they are under increased pressure.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED MALE DOCTOR, SAYING:
"Sabha Hospital is like any other hospital in Libya. All hospitals in Libya have collapsed. Unfortunately the former regime did not leave any space for law and order, so the hospital can't meet the medical standards for even normal cases. What about war-time?"
The United Nations has identified healthcare as a priority for Libya's interim government.
Food, water, medical supplies and other assistance are desperately needed.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
As the interim government works to restore order after months of conflict, healthcare is suffering from the instability.
Here in the former Gaddafi stronghold of Sabha, sewage fills the street outside the hospital gates, and staff members say they are under increased pressure.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED MALE DOCTOR, SAYING:
"Sabha Hospital is like any other hospital in Libya. All hospitals in Libya have collapsed. Unfortunately the former regime did not leave any space for law and order, so the hospital can't meet the medical standards for even normal cases. What about war-time?"
The United Nations has identified healthcare as a priority for Libya's interim government.
Food, water, medical supplies and other assistance are desperately needed.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters