The health ministry says a recently-arrived stock of medical drugs and equipment has been stolen in Tajoura in eastern Tripoli.

The health ministry intends to spend LD800m ($640m) of its 2014 funds on overseas treatment for Libyans, just over a third of its overall budget.

The health minister met with officials from the Medical Supply Organization (MSO) to discuss the shortage of drugs at Libyan hospitals.

Medical staff from India and North Korea have arrived at the oasis town to help address a shortfall in personnel.

Vienna-based Vamed told the Libya Monitor it has begun preparations to resume refurbishment of the Ghariyan General Hospital, which originally began in 2010.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) took the decision after one of its employees was killed in Sirte, but says it will not fully pull out of Libya.

The Ministry of Health has denied reports claiming medical supplies are running short in Benghazi, which has been rocked by fighting in recent weeks.