Egypt issues over 349k state-funded health care decisions in Jan

Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population issued 349,825 state-funded health care decisions in January, costing 2.446 billion Egyptian pounds, in line with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s directives to ease financial burdens on citizens and expand healthcare access.

Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said 330,775 citizens benefited from the decisions, covering specialties such as oncology, surgery, gynecology, and internal medicine. He noted that 566 patients were examined via video conferencing to expedite procedures without requiring in-person visits.

Mohamed Zeidan, head of the Central Administration for Pharmaceutical Affairs (CAPA), explained that patients can apply through hospitals, with approvals processed electronically at no cost. Once approved, patients receive a text message to proceed with treatment. Those covered by health insurance are not eligible.

State-funded treatment is available through public, university, and contracted private hospitals. Patients can check their treatment status via the Ministry of Health’s online portal using their national ID.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama