General Oncology Care in Libya

Abstract

AbstractLibya is a large country, ranking at fourth in terms of area both in the Arab world and the African continent (https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-are-the-10-largest-countries-of-africa-by-size.html). It is part of the World Health Organization–Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO–EMRO) region. Oil production is the main source of income which has transformed the country massively over the past 50 years and the healthcare system is one of the sectors that have improved significantly. The Health Act No (106), issued in 1973, guarantees free health services to all Libyans, with inevitable challenges regarding the delivery of adequate and sustainable services. The health system in Libya is a mix between the public sector and the private sector. The private sector is basically depending on funding through insurance companies and self-pay. It is not yet adequately developed but is striving and rapidly growing in the last two decades.The oncology services are accessible and available for all Libyans, most of the diagnostic and therapeutic facilities are of good standards and the modern treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapies are also available. However, there were periods when the health care system—in general—was struggling to meet the increasing demand on health services and has seen considerable challenges, especially over the past few years due to the conflict, political, and economic instability of the country. This chapter covers the oncology care in Libya, describing the current state, challenges, and future directions.