Egypt keeps hospitals on high alert for 48 hours after earthquake

Egypt’s Health Ministry said on Monday it would maintain the highest level of preparedness across hospitals and health facilities for 48 hours after an earthquake struck earlier in the day, with no deaths reported and only a limited number of minor injuries recorded.

Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar chaired a meeting of the ministry’s crisis committee to review the response, with senior ministry officials and heads of health directorates participating via video conference.

The ministry said all reported injuries were minor and treated immediately, with no disruption to hospital operations or healthcare services.

Abdel Ghaffar instructed hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on emergency footing, ensure adequate stocks of medicines, medical supplies, and blood bags, and maintain the readiness of emergency departments and intensive care units in case of aftershocks.

He also directed the ministry’s central operations room to continue operating around the clock and remain in constant contact with crisis rooms at health directorates across the country to monitor developments and coordinate any emergency response.

The ministry said the health system continued to operate normally and at full capacity, urging the public to rely on official sources for information and updates related to the earthquake.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser