With GE’s support, International Medical Corps is providing doctors, critical medicines and nurse training in the remote town of Kalaa in the Western Mountains in Libya. Although the war has ended, there are still gaps in health care throughout the country as many medical professionals fled fighting and have not yet returned. At the Kalaa Health Clinic, Dr. Salim Bin, a general practitioner from neighboring Tunisia, is providing patient consultations for local families who would otherwise have to travel four hours to reach the nearest source of health care.
“We see every kind of disease, especially chronic disease like high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism,” says Dr. Bin who on average treats 35 patients per day. “In the winter time, we see respiratory infections. For kids we see all kinds of childhood diseases.”
International Medical Corps is working to support the local population with culturally-appropriate care. Staff members like Dr. Bin provide medical support and health education that is accepted by the community.
“We can educate parents on how to take medications, how to take antibiotics. You have to continue prescriptions until the end – you don’t just use it one or two times. It’s more than consultation, it’s education,” says Dr. Bin.
In addition to providing health care and vital medications, International Medical Corps is also conducting trainings for nurses in critical skills including wound care, sterilization and psychological first aid. By training local health workers and collaborating with the Libyan Ministry of Health, International Medical Corps is working to promote self-reliance as the country rebuilds.
“There is nobody here to continue to help this health system in this transitional step. We must continue this work,” says Dr. Bin. “I would like to thank GE for their support of International Medical Corps in giving us the opportunity to help people in Libya.”