Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, refuted Italian media reports that he had suffered a new health setback and had flown to a Milano hospital for treatment.
Refuting the allegation, Aldabaiba admitted on his social media account that he ‘‘underwent some additional medical tests for reassurance while abroad for a prior commitment, in response to the concern of loved ones. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment I received in Libya.’’
Aldabaiba thanked God for the blessing of health and added that it is a gift that cannot be bought, and which only God bestows.
Continuing to refute the rumour, he continued ‘‘I, like others, heard rumours of an illness that supposedly befell me. At such moments, one realizes that news of illness or death is not something to be taken lightly, but rather a sincere reminder of the value of life, its brevity, and its fragility before God’s will.
I assure you that I am well, thanks be to God. I confirm that the treatment I received in Libya was successful and reassuring, and that the experience at the Misrata Heart Hospital practically demonstrated the effectiveness of localising treatment within the country, with national expertise and medical capabilities of which we are proud’’.
‘‘Illness is destiny, and death is a certainty, and both are in God’s hands alone. Neither can be summoned by rumours, nor postponed by news. Let us be gentle with our words, and let us preserve people’s health and dignity’’.
‘‘I appreciate everyone who inquired and checked on me out of genuine love, and I entrust you to God, in whose care nothing is ever lost.
The work continues… as long as life remains and as long as there is a pulse for this nation in our hearts.’’
He urged all to use the holy and fasting month of Ramadan as ‘‘an opportunity to purify hearts, not to burden them’’.
Aldabaiba’s January hospitalisation
It will be recalled that Aldabaiba had undergone ‘‘a minor medical procedure’’ on 6 January at Misrata Heart, Arterial and Vascular Centre.
The Prime Minister’s media office had confirmed that his health was good and stable, and that he was being prepared for discharge from the hospital.
In a later statement, the Tripoli government strongly refuted social media reports that the PM was flying to Germany for further health treatment.
In a separate statement, the Tripoli health Ministry confirmed the government’s statement, stressing that the PM had ‘‘completed all medical procedures’’.
The Ministry of Health expressed its appreciation of the professional efforts made by the management of the Misrata Heart and Artery Centre and all medical, nursing and technical staff, praising the level of performance and efficiency in providing health services according to the highest standards.
Aldabaiba was then seen a few days later receiving well-wishers in Misrata, looking frail, but recovered. He subsequently seemed to engage in routine public appearances for the rest of January and February.
It is unclear if he had indeed suffered a new health setback or if he was simply taking advantage of his presence in Milan to put his family and friends’ minds at rest by having a second checkup. The next few days will tell if continues to make immediate routine appearances.
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