WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF OIL AND GAS SECTOR ON THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ON A FRAGILE STATE? A CASE STUDY OF LIBYA

Abstract

Background: Fragile states with large reserves of natural resources have been found to suffer from the ‘resource curse’. This study uses the WHO health systems framework to explore the impact of oil and gas resources on countries on health systems using a case study of Libya. Method: A scoping review of existing literature was carried out to identify sources that would provide evidence to evaluate the study topic. A qualitative narrative review of the evidence was then conducted to meet the research objectives. Results: It was found that the resource curse theory postulated several effects of resource-abundance on nations. Fragile states were characterised by dysfunctional institutions, poor resource management, and dictatorship among other challenges. Consequently, an analysis of the health system via the WHO health systems framework components revealed a trickle-down effect of the resource curse. The assessment revealed failures in all components of the health systems and several solutions were identified. Conclusions: The results obtained revealed that the resource curse can have numerous implications for health systems of fragile states. Moreover, the study concluded that although the resource curse theory may have been useful for the health systems analysis, its concentration on economic concepts limited its applicability to healthcare systems.