An Examination of Primary Health Care Quality in Benghazi, Libya

Introduction: The Libyan National Health System (LNHS) is debated for its conflicting performance versus impact. LNHS has poor performance but the national health statistics are registered to be high and competitive. There are concerted efforts to manage health care services and regain the lost trust. Objectives: This study was conducted to examine primary health care components; namely manpower, equipment, space arrangement and management systems in Benghazi city. Methodology: A sample of 9 health centres and 7 polyclinics from various locations were selected for gathering information by way of structured discussions with administrators and key staff and systematic observations on operational elements. Results: Facilities were well staffed with varying skill levels at medical, paramedical, management and support levels. The medical and management side appeared strong in terms of education, experience and skills whereas the paramedical and support side appeared weak on the same parameters. Discussion: Facilities had equipment both necessary and luxury, but were it was not well utilized nor well maintained. There were initiatives to improve equipment handling methods. Facilities were spacious but congested due to lack of interior decorations. Facilities had either started or were in the process of initiating system based management techniques. Conclusions and recommendations: Human resource development activities were not emphasized at primary health care level. Staff training needs improvement for equipment management, spatial arrangement and system based management, which require techniques; namely, bench-marking and management by objectives. Decision making processes at these facilities require improvement through participation. Demand analyses will help to manage equipment and material resources. Interior decorations might improve spatial arrangement and beauty of facilities. Development of systems and manuals should be encouraged to improve standards.