Libya moves to deepen health cooperation with U.S.

Libya is trying to turn healthcare cooperation with the United States into a more structured partnership after officials discussed a joint health forum, a draft memorandum of understanding and new training and hospital links, as reported by Libya Herald and agencies on April 28th.

At the centre of the discussions was a meeting between the U.S. Embassy and Libya’s Department of Support and Development of Medical Services, alongside the Comprehensive Medical Support Unit.

The two sides also held a coordination session on launching the first Libyan-American Health Forum, which is expected to take place in Libya and is intended to support development in the healthcare sector while broadening bilateral cooperation. They also discussed preparing a joint memorandum of understanding to establish a general protocol for healthcare cooperation between the two sides.

Officials discussed training and developing Libyan medical and paramedical staff, improving efficiency through twinning programmes, localising treatment inside Libya, especially in rare specialties and diseases, and introducing more modern medical technologies and management systems.

Medical cooperation with the United States institutions, visits by specialist physicians, intensive training for Libyan staff, telemedicine services and cooperation with major U.S. hospitals and medical centres were all part of the agenda.

Rather than understanding this new international cooperation agreement as a new revolution, the Libyan side appears to be framing it as a way to rebuild expertise, modernise hospital operations and reduce the long standing dependence on sending patients abroad for a more advanced care.

The two sides agreed to form a joint committee to oversee coordination, prepare a clear cooperation plan and dispatch a specialised team to assess healthcare facilities and develop proposals for management and operation. That turns the discussion from a symbolic diplomatic exchange into the outline of a more institutional partnership planned for the greater good.

Libya Herald plus agencies, maghrebi.org