Egypt provides 311,946 state-funded treatments worth LE 1.7B

CAIRO - 12 April 2024: In an effort to alleviate the financial burden on citizens, particularly those who are unable to afford medical care, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced the issuance of over 311,000 medical treatment decisions at state expense during the holy month of Ramadan.

These decisions, which came at a total cost of EGP 1.745 billion, represent a significant step towards ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Egyptians.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that the total number of beneficiaries from the issued state-funded treatment decisions reached 300,213 citizens.

He further explained that these decisions encompass a wide range of medical specialties, including blood diseases, tumors, surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, ear, nose, and throat, urology, orthopedics, dermatology, and neurology.

In a further effort to streamline procedures and reduce travel inconveniences for patients, Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the utilization of video conferencing technology in assessing 593 cases. This initiative allows patients to receive treatment decisions without the need to physically visit the headquarters of the specialized medical councils.

Demonstrating its commitment to providing comprehensive care for people with disabilities, the Ministry of Health has facilitated the medical examination and approval of 42,567 applicants for the Integrated Services Card during Ramadan. To ensure accessibility, the number of medical examination committees for people with disabilities has been increased to 511 across the country.

Dr. Mohamed Zidan, Director General of the Specialized Medical Councils, elaborated on the eligibility criteria for the Integrated Services Card. He stated that eligible cases include multiple limb amputations or single-limb amputation, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, polio in one or more limbs, blindness, multiple disabilities, Down syndrome, other intellectual disabilities (IQ 35% or less), as well as autism spectrum disorder and dwarfism.

Additionally, Dr. Zidan noted that medical examinations were conducted for 14,155 applicants seeking tax-exempt and customs-free vehicles equipped for people with disabilities. Furthermore, 27,627 citizens seeking cash support (Takaful and Karama pension) underwent medical examinations and approvals.