All Egyptians will enjoy health insurance coverage by 2030: Health minister

CAIRO – 9 February 2025: Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said Egypt is set to achieve 100% health insurance coverage for its citizens by 2030 as he took part in the annual forum of the Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA), held in the New Administrative Capital on Sunday.

Abdel Ghaffar, also Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development, emphasized the strategic objective of enhancing the well-being of the Egyptian population by providing high-quality healthcare services.

Currently, the comprehensive health insurance program has reached a coverage rate of 78%, with an annual expenditure of LE 10 billion, said Abdel Ghaffar.

He highlighted the importance of this initiative in ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all citizens.

 

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, also present at the forum, shared key statistics regarding the comprehensive health insurance system.

He noted that during the first phase of implementation across six governorates, over LE 51 billion were spent to enhance healthcare facilities, benefiting 6 million citizens out of a total population of 107 million.

He projected that around LE 115 billion will be required for the second phase of the program.

As the country enters the second phase of this initiative, Madbouly stressed the expansion of health insurance coverage, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing digital solutions.

The upcoming phase will include several populous governorates, ensuring the delivery of more efficient and sustainable healthcare services.

Madbouly called for increased collaboration and effective partnerships to build on the successes of the initial phase.

 

The second phase will involve the governorates of Damietta, Matrouh, Kafr El-Sheikh, Minya, and North Sinai, alongside the potential inclusion of a major governorate to provide healthcare services in collaboration with university hospitals, the private sector and the civil society.

Reiterating the significance of the comprehensive health insurance project, Madbouly described it as a national dream, supported by the leadership’s vision, the government’s determination and the participation of the entire community.

He acknowledged the challenges ahead—such as financing, infrastructure, and resource sustainability—but expressed confidence in the state’s political will, strategic plans and cooperation with the private sector to overcome these obstacles.

He emphasized that the success of the health insurance system relies on the collective efforts of the state, private sector, and healthcare institutions, all working towards the shared goal of providing comprehensive and sustainable health coverage that meets the needs of every Egyptian citizen.

He encouraged all stakeholders to contribute their ideas, investments, and expertise to develop a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system.

 

Minister Abdel Ghaffar further reported that 5.431 million beneficiaries are currently registered in the system within the implemented governorates, with a total of over 49 million medical services provided, including 620,000 surgical procedures, and a beneficiary satisfaction rate of 90%.

Looking ahead, the third phase of the health insurance initiative will include the governorates of Beheira, Red Sea, Alexandria, Sohag, Assiut, and New Valley, while the fourth phase will cover Fayoum, Beni Suef, Gharbia, Menoufia, Qena, and Daqahlia.

The final phase will focus on the governorates of Sharqia, Giza, Qalyubia, and Cairo, based on priorities and needs.