Egypt to expand universal health insurance to 18m citizens with EGP115b investment

Egypt is on track to expand its universal health insurance system to cover more than 18 million citizens, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said Wednesday, as the government seeks to strengthen healthcare access and quality across the country.

Speaking at the 6th Annual International Forum of the General Authority for Healthcare Services, Madbouly said the first phase of the programme, covering six governorates, delivered over 100 million medical services with investments exceeding 53 billion Egyptian pounds.

The government has focused on supporting low-income citizens by exempting them from contributions and implementing automatic registration using Social Solidarity Ministry databases. Around 905,000 economically disadvantaged citizens were fully covered during the first phase, representing 17.6 per cent of total registered beneficiaries.

Madbouly said the second phase, set to launch in five new governorates – Minya, Matrouh, Damietta, North Sinai, and Kafr El-Sheikh – will see investments exceeding 115 billion pounds, with Alexandria also under consideration for inclusion.

“The universal health insurance project ensures that support reaches those who need it with dignity,” Madbouly said, adding that the initiative aligns with Egypt Vision 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The prime minister highlighted the government’s broader efforts to develop the health sector, including infrastructure upgrades, staff training, legislative reforms, and digital monitoring systems, as well as successes in public health campaigns such as the 100 Million Health Initiative, which delivered over 250 million medical services.

He also underscored the human impact of the programme, citing life-changing procedures such as cochlear implants for children, kidney transplants, and advanced surgeries in cardiology, oncology, and critical care.

Madbouly concluded by emphasising the government’s commitment to sustaining the project with the support of private, civil, and public institutions, aiming to make Egypt a regional leader in advanced and sustainable healthcare.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser