Boubaker Zakhama, head of Tunisia’s National Chamber of Private Clinics, revealed the escalating Libyan debts accumulated at Tunisian healthcare institutions since 2013, which now exceed 350 million dinars even after the Debt Audit Committee finished its work in 2023 – it was formed in 2018-. This comes despite Tunisia providing around 1.5 million medical services annually to Libyan patients, who constitute 70% of all foreign patients in the country. He emphasized that this financial crisis hinders the development of medical services and negatively impacts bilateral cooperation, particularly as many Libyan patients are forced to bear the full costs of treatment in private facilities.
*Negotiations to Settle Debts and Strengthen Partnerships*
To resolve the ongoing issues, Tunisian Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani held a with a high-level Libyan delegation, including Libyan Ambassador Mustapha Qaddara the First Counselor, and Ahmed Melitan, head of Libya’s Department of Support and Development of Medical Services. The discussions focused on new mechanisms to streamline healthcare services, such as launching a unified electronic platform to track patients from arrival until the completion of treatment and establishing a central registration office for patients in public and private hospitals to ensure transparency. The two sides also agreed to boost joint investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing through shared factories, improve emergency medical air transport, and facilitate the exchange of specialized medical expertise.
*Repeated Promises… Limited Results*
This meeting follows a series of unfulfilled Libyan commitments, most notably Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah’s pledge during his visit to Tunisia in December 2022 to settle debts estimated at $85 million for private clinics, $30 million for civil aviation, and $85 million for the electricity sector. However, delays in implementation have prompted some Tunisian hospitals to threaten to halt new admissions or even discharge current Libyan patients, exacerbated by Tunisia’s economic crisis and medicine shortages.
*Humanitarian Repercussions and Health Risks*
The crisis has inflicted dual suffering on Libyan patients, with some critically ill individuals—including those battling cancer and heart conditions—facing expulsion or suspended treatment. Hospital owners described these measures as “emergency steps” due to financial losses. Meanwhile, Tunisia and Libya have sought alternative solutions, such as a recent agreement between their medical unions allowing Tunisian doctors to work legally in Libya. This aims to improve Libya’s deteriorating healthcare system and ease pressure on Tunisia’s medical infrastructure.
*Uncertain Future and Cooperation Hinged on Settlements*
Despite recent positive steps, health cooperation between the two countries remains contingent on resolving the debt crisis, which is seen as the cornerstone for restoring trust and ensuring service continuity. Given Libya’s economic challenges, experts call for flexible payment mechanisms and international intervention to expedite solutions, safeguarding shared interests and protecting the rights of patients who bear the heaviest burden.