The World Health Organization (WHO), Monday, condemned the multiple attacks which occurred on 27 and 28 May, on the Benghazi Medical Center in Libya, a statement issued by the agency said.
The medical center came under mortar attack last Friday, causing some material damage but no injuries were reported.
The statement added that more than 600 patients and health workers were in the medical center at the time of the attacks. No casualties inside the center have been reported, although there are substantial damages to infrastructure.
Benghazi Medical Center is the only health facility providing tertiary health care to more than 500,000 people in Benghazi, the statement said, adding that damages to the intensive care unit and other parts of the medical center have now further reduced the availability of health services in the city.
The bombing represents a serious setback for the affected community and an additional challenge to humanitarian work in Libya. It is estimated that nearly 60 per cent of public hospitals in conflict areas in Libya have shut down or are inaccessible, the statement read.
The agency urged all parties in the conflict to respect the safety and neutrality of health workers and health facilities. Such attacks must be avoided. Warring parties need to consistently observe International Humanitarian Law and take all necessary precautionary measures to avoid depriving populations of urgently needed health services.
