Egypt, S. Arabia advance health sector cooperation

Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar held a meeting on Sunday with Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel to review ongoing health sector cooperation between the two countries, as part of Abdel Ghaffar’s official visit to the kingdom from May 3-4, 2025.

The talks addressed final preparations for Egypt’s medical mission for the 2025 Hajj season, with both sides aiming to ensure smooth coordination.

Discussions also covered collaboration in digital health transformation, universal health insurance, patient safety, and strengthening joint efforts in pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing.

The ministers emphasised the importance of localising drug production to safeguard Arab pharmaceutical security.

Both sides shared successful healthcare experiences and agreed to establish joint working groups to exchange expertise and maximise mutual benefit.

The meeting also explored ways to enhance public-private partnerships and leverage Saudi investments in Egypt’s healthcare sector.

The ministers reaffirmed the urgency of resuming and expanding humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, stressing the critical role of relief efforts in Gaza and the shared responsibility of Arab nations in responding to humanitarian crises.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama