Interview: Abdulhamit Karanfil
In what ways do you expect the health care sector to adapt following the Covid-19 pandemic?
ABDULHAMIT KARANFIL: The pandemic significantly impacted Libya’s health care, including in Misrata, posing challenges to an already vulnerable system. Limited resources hindered effective response. Yet, the crisis highlighted the industry’s importance and the role of the private sector in improving care. With Misrata and Libya moving past the pandemic, the health care sector is undergoing notable changes. Private sector hospitals are adapting to the evolving medical landscape and implementing necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and staff, while maintaining high-quality care.
What is your assessment of the quality of health care infrastructure, and what role does the private sector play in quality assurance?
KARANFIL: Misrata’s health care infrastructure is promising, but structural challenges must be addressed to enhance Libya’s medical supply chains. By establishing strategic partnerships and leveraging technology, we can optimise the distribution of medical supplies, ensuring their availability and efficient utilisation. Investment is essential across all segments of the sector, spanning hospital equipment, staff, pharmaceuticals and supplies, underscoring key opportunities for private players.
Investing in and upgrading health care infrastructure and medical equipment by introducing modern technologies and facilities can improve the overall quality and efficiency of health care services. Furthermore, the private sector can help address the shortage of medical professionals by providing incentives and career opportunities to attract skilled medical personnel to work in Misrata, and also by investing in ongoing training and education to build the local knowledge base.
Moreover, private companies can collaborate with public sector health care institutions as well as international organisations to address supply chain issues for medications, medical supplies and equipment. The private sector is able to inject much-needed capital into the health care industry, contributing to funding research, development and innovation.
Our primary goal is to implement the revolutionary health changes seen in Turkey in recent years and adapt these basic principles to Libya. The aim is to increase the quality of health services by sharing our knowledge and experience in this area with the Libyan people.
How are best practices adopted regarding digitalisation and new medical technology in hospitals?
KARANFIL: Adopting best practices in digitalisation and incorporating cutting-edge medical technology in hospitals is a top priority. This commitment aims to enhance patient care and operational efficiency across medical facilities. Technology improves health care by enabling accurate diagnoses, personalised treatments and seamless communication among health professionals. During the pandemic, we also saw the transformative impact of remote care options on health care delivery when access to in-person care is difficult.
Private sector health care holds significant importance in Libya, as private hospitals contribute to strengthening the skill sets of medical workers. They achieve this by offering training opportunities, promoting continuous learning, and fostering knowledge exchange among medical staff, elevating expertise and enhancing the overall health care landscape.
While the regulatory framework and investment opportunities in the hospital sector present growth potential, foreign investors may encounter challenges while establishing medical facilities. Clear communication with the relevant authorities and local stakeholders is crucial in order to successfully navigate these processes and drive advancements in health care. Despite these challenges, Misrata and Libya’s growth potential offer significant opportunities for foreign investment.
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