Thesis

The development of educational and health policies in contemporary Tripoli (1970-2009)

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2012
Thesis identifier
  • T13362
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • This PhD study explores the processes, policies and practices of Government investment in education and health and examines the relative successes whilst highlighting continuing problems in these social policy fields. Consequently, with government investment in education and health sectors during the period 1970-2009, there was growth and distribution of health and educational institutions across Libya, but especially in Tripoli (the focus of this research). Much of the literature and analysts have suggested that the increase in the number of institutions in these sectors from the 1970s to the beginning of the 1980s did not lead to a matched increase in quality of provision and services. Despite the progress made by the Government in this regard, most of the social policies have faced financial and administrative problems in their implementation. Further, the Government did not achieve many of the goals that were established at the outset of the 1970s in order to achieve sustained economic and social development. For example, in relation to health, this research shows that although there are a number of highly skilled doctors and specialists, who graduated in the 1970s and in the early 1980s, most of them are working abroad. This is due to the lack of facilities and low salaries and the ever-changing laws and regulations and health administrative changes which have not led to any improvement in the health status within establishments. Also, there are various factors such as non-application of laws and lack of medicines and medical equipment which have had negative effects on health care for individuals. However, the Government has made progress in other aspects such as the eradication of many communicable diseases and providing various vaccinations for citizens. Similarly, over about four decades now, educational establishments in Tripoli have covered most districts of the city and according to reports and official statistics this situation has led to all citizens being able to access their right to education. However, despite efforts being made in trying to achieve the development goals of the Government's educational policies, the level of ambition did not match actual outcomes. In recent decades, as is the case in health, weak qualifications have had negative effects not only on the educational process but also on all aspects of social and economic developments. This thesis presents evidence from the education and health sectors in Tripoli, Libya that suggests the financing and implementing of key social policy goals is fraught with difficulties and sustainable improvement in quality services is difficult to maintain in the face of economic and political challenges.
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Note
  • Strathclyde theses - ask staff. Thesis no. : T13362
DOI
Date Created
  • 2012
Former identifier
  • 987906

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