Tunisia stops medical care for Libyans over debts

After the debts the Libyan government owes Tunisia were estimated to have surpassed $112 million, Tunisia has suspended state-funded medical treatment for Libyans, reports The Arab Weekly on September 15.

The head of Tunisia’s National Syndicate of Private Clinics, Boubaker Zakhama, has said Tunisia has come to this decision over concerns that the debts may undermine the continuity of health cooperation between the two countries.

Zakhma also cited how the debts are impacting 60 private Tunisian clinics, as Libyans make up 70% of foreign patients who receive treatment in Tunisia. The number of unpaid debts has severely limited the cash flow of said clinics.

1.5 million Libyans receive medical consultations each year, which makes it crucial to address any strains upon the healthcare system they depend upon.

The Libyan health care office, located within the Libyan embassy, has said patients currently receiving treatment will continue to be treated to avoid a serious humanitarian crisis.

Observers have said Libyan authorities have shown little interest in remedying the debts, instead redirecting patients to Turkey or Jordan, despite Tunisia’s healthcare system often receiving glowing reviews from Libyans.

Informed sources describe Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah strange handling of the debts as intentional – a part of a wider plan to put pressure upon Tunisian authorities over Libyan funds that have been illegally smuggled or transferred into Tunisia.

In March, the Tunisian Minister of Trade announced a plan to counter illegitimate trading between Tunisia, Libya and Algeria. It aims to develop border areas and turns them into attractive hotspots for investment.

Meanwhile, in June, Tunisia pushed to deepen its economic ties with Libya after facing a trade deficit with Algeria. As it stands, Libya is Tunisia’s largest foremost Arab and African trade partner, and it’s fifth globally.

The outstanding debts no doubt complicate the economic relationship between Libya and Tunisia, that is strong but can finds little buds of resentment in bloom.

The Arab Weekly, Sada, Maghrebi.org