Libya considers hazard pay and remote-area allowances for health workers

Libya’s Health Ministry is preparing proposals for hazard pay, allowances for staff working in remote areas and other employment benefits, following protests by health workers demanding better living conditions.

A ministerial committee is working to complete the draft by the end of this week before submitting it for approval, the ministry said. Union representatives have put forward comments for inclusion in the final version.

The discussions follow sit-ins that began on 30 August. Representatives of health-sector employees had announced the action at a meeting in Misrata earlier that month, calling for improvements to workers’ living standards.

Health Minister Mohamed al-Ghouj discussed the demands with unions representing doctors, dentists, allied health professionals and laboratory staff. The talks addressed concerns affecting both medical and administrative employees.

Separately, the prime minister’s office has written to the Health Insurance Fund about a proposal to enrol all health-sector workers in its scheme, according to the ministry. The correspondence concerns proposed coverage; it does not constitute confirmation that employees have been enrolled.

The meeting also examined a decision to establish regional health services offices to organise local operations.

The benefits proposal remains subject to approval once the committee has completed its work.