Dbeibah Pledges Year-Long Diabetes Drug Supply at National Conference

Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah announced on Thursday that the Libyan government is taking concrete steps to secure a full year's supply of diabetes medicines across all types, addressing one of the most pressing chronic health challenges facing the country. The pledge came during his opening address at the Seventh National Diabetes Conference, organised by the National Diabetes Authority in Tripoli, which brought together doctors, specialists, and healthcare professionals from across Libya.

Main Facts and Key Details

Dbeibah stated that the government is prioritising both preventive and treatment programmes while working to improve the overall quality of healthcare services. He confirmed that procurement efforts are already under way to cover a full year's demand for diabetes medications of all types, a significant commitment in a country where chronic disease management has long been hampered by supply chain disruptions and fragmented healthcare infrastructure. The prime minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to support medical staff, develop health infrastructure, and strengthen the national medical supply system to ensure treatment is consistently available and accessible to all patients.

Reactions and Context

The conference, which included workshops and panel discussions on recent developments in diabetes care, reflects a growing national awareness of the need to tackle chronic diseases. Organisers said the event forms part of broader efforts to improve prevention and care, and to produce recommendations that will support national health policy. On the sidelines of the conference, Dbeibah toured an accompanying medical exhibition showcasing technologies used in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as well as programmes focused on treatment and prevention. The event comes alongside other major health sector initiatives, including the recent inauguration of 13 "Golden Clinic Complexes" across several Libyan cities, which the Ministry of Health described as a cornerstone strategy to alleviate the burden on central hospitals.

Challenges and Outlook

Libya's health sector continues to face significant challenges, including inconsistent drug supplies, understaffed facilities, and the lingering effects of years of conflict on medical infrastructure. Healthcare experts have noted that while high-level pledges are encouraging, the true test lies in implementation — ensuring that medicines reach patients in remote and underserved regions, not just major urban centres. The conference organisers emphasised that sustained political commitment and institutional coordination will be essential to translating these promises into lasting improvements in diabetes care across the country.

The Seventh National Diabetes Conference is expected to produce a set of formal recommendations for the government, which health officials hope will shape Libya's approach to chronic disease management in the coming year.