Balhaj: Kidney Patient Medication Supply is Good. No Patient Has Been Deprived of Medication.
Nouri Balhaj is the head of the National Kidney Disease Authority. He stated that over 220 doctors work in kidney centers. These centers are the correct source for information. They can provide accurate details on budgets and medication availability.
Correction Regarding Mahmoud Abu Dabous’s Title
Balhaj spoke to Libya Al-Ahrar TV, broadcast from Turkey. Al-Marsad newspaper followed his statement. He clarified Mahmoud Abu Dabous’s role. Abu Dabous heads the National Organ Donation Organization. He is not the head of the National Kidney Disease Authority. Balhaj confirmed Abu Dabous’s statements were incorrect. These statements concerned budget and medication availability.
80% of Medications Are Available
Balhaj added that 80% of medications are available. Over 490 transplant patients at Tariq Al-Shatt Kidney Center received their medicines. The medication situation is “very good.” However, he acknowledged shortages in some specific types.
22 Million Euros for Procurement via Medical Supply Agency
Balhaj explained that Tender No. 15 originated from the Prime Minister’s Office. It was forwarded to the Medical Supply Agency. Competent authorities have approved this tender. The Prime Minister also issued a decision. It allocated 22 million euros for this purpose. This amount was transferred to the Central Bank of Libya. The procurement procedures are awaiting completion.
Addressing Shortages and Providing Critical Varieties
He further stated that medication shortages are limited to three or four types. The Authority acts proactively to prevent actual deficits. Supporting entities have helped supply some medicines. The Government of National Unity has also provided funds, he said. Balhaj emphasized that kidney patients are a “red line” for the Authority. Work continues day and night. This effort prevents any shortages.
Six-Month Supply and Distribution to Centers
Balhaj confirmed the availability of critical medications. These are sufficient for kidney patients for six months. The government is working to procure other necessary medicines. Some medical supplies have arrived. They have been distributed to several centers. Full distribution will be completed the next day and week. He noted that the drug “Prograf” was distributed on the 25th of Ramadan. Distribution went to several centers. These included Tripoli Children’s Teaching Hospital. Other locations were Janzour, Zuwara, Tajoura. Tripoli Tariq Al-Shatt Kidney Center and Zawiya Kidney Center also received supplies. Harawa, Tripoli University, and Misrata were included. Other medications distributed included Sandimmune, CellCept, Heparin, and Humalbumin.
Confirmation of Uninterrupted Medication Supply
The head of the National Kidney Disease Authority affirmed this. Kidney patients have not experienced medication shortages. No patient has been denied their treatment. This work involves direct coordination with the government. It also includes the Medical Supply Agency. Everyone is working for the patient’s benefit.