Egypt intensifies emergency health preparations for New Year, Christmas celebrations

CAIRO – December 30, 2023: The Ministry of Health in Egypt has announced an escalation in preparedness levels at hospitals located near desert roads and highways across the country in anticipation of any emergencies during the New Year and Christmas celebrations.

Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has approved a comprehensive medical plan to ensure the security of the New Year and Christmas festivities. The ministry's central crisis and emergency room will be actively monitoring the implementation of this plan throughout the day.

As part of the strategy, a total of 502 well-equipped ambulances will be deployed to areas surrounding churches, gardens, public spaces, highways, and gathering points. In addition, 11 river ambulance launches will be stationed for additional support.

Egypt consistently reinforces security and medical measures in advance of the New Year and Christmas celebrations, as millions of Egyptians partake in festivities and gather in the streets until late evening.

Christmas in Egypt is observed on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, in line with Orthodox churches worldwide.