Libya stresses need to supply oncology medicine

TRIPOLI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah on Monday stressed the need to focus on the supply of oncology medicine in the country.

Dbeibah made the remarks during a meeting with Minister of Health Ramadan Abu-Janah and other senior government officials to follow up on public tender for the supply of medicine, according to a statement by the Libyan government.

"The prime minister stressed the need of setting priorities in contracting and supply of medicines, focusing on the supply of medicines for oncology and other most common diseases, and signing contracts with international manufacturers to ensure quality and speed of implementation," the statement said.

Dbeibah also stressed the need to establish a system of drug distribution, and issued instructions to develop an urgent plan to supply the needed oncology medicine, the statement added.

Due to years of armed conflict and chaos, Libyan authorities have been struggling to provide basic services for the people, including water supplies, electricity and healthcare.