🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egypt's Universal Health Insurance System expands with second phase preparations
via Egypt Today2 min read
Egypt's Cabinet media center has released infographics detailing the progress of the Universal Health Insurance System, which aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for all citizens without discrimination, with the state covering costs for those unable to pay. This initiative aligns with Egypt's national vision for health justice and improved service quality across all social groups. The plan involves upgrading healthcare infrastructure and enhancing medical facility efficiency to meet international standards. Preparations are underway for the system's second phase, with LE 3.3 billion allocated for Minya Governorate, where trial operations are set to begin in April 2026. This phase will cover five governorates: Minya, Matrouh, Damietta, Kafr El Sheikh, and North Sinai, with Alexandria's inclusion under consideration. The second phase has an investment cost exceeding LE 115 billion, targeting over 12 million citizens, with Minya residents comprising approximately 60% of beneficiaries. It will include 70 hospitals: 26 in Minya, 18 in Kafr El Sheikh, 9 in Matrouh, 9 in Damietta, and 8 in North Sinai. The system's first phase, launched in July 2019, covered six governorates—Port Said, Ismailia, Luxor, South Sinai, Suez, and Aswan—registering over 6 million citizens, with around 5.2 million utilizing its services at a cost exceeding LE 53 billion. To date, more than 105 million medical and treatment services have been delivered through 328 healthcare facilities, includ
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired a high-level meeting to assess measures for securing essential goods and reforming the subsidy system. Key officials, including the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Kouchouk, and the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Dr. Sherif Farouk, attended. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and inter-agency coordination to protect essential supplies, especially given regional tensions affecting global supply chains. He noted that government actions have maintained sufficient reserves for several months. PM Madbouly highlighted that current regional and international crises necessitate expenditure rationalization, leading Egypt to implement stricter governance of its subsidy system to support vulnerable populations. Minister of Supply Sherif Farouk detailed efforts to ensure affordable essential goods through market monitoring, confirming robust strategic reserves as per President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives, which helps prevent market manipulation and ensures price stability. Cabinet Spokesperson Mohamed El-Homsani stated the meeting focused on optimizing resource utilization to meet state social goals and address the needs of targeted groups.
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President for Arab and African Affairs, on Monday. The meeting included Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, Head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service Major General Hassan Rashad, and U.S. Embassy officials. Boulos conveyed greetings from U.S. President Donald Trump, and President El-Sisi reciprocated, expressing appreciation for strategic cooperation. Discussions covered developments in Sudan, with both sides emphasizing efforts to end the war and alleviate humanitarian suffering. President El-Sisi welcomed the international community's €1.5 billion pledge at the Berlin Conference for Sudan's humanitarian needs and reiterated Egypt's vision for resolving the Sudanese crisis, focusing on sovereignty, unity, and rejecting external interference. Boulos commended Egypt's role in the Sudan crisis and affirmed U.S. coordination. The meeting also addressed developments in Lebanon, with President El-Sisi praising President Trump's efforts for a ceasefire, and other regional issues. President El-Sisi welcomed the agreement between the Congolese government and the M23 movement and affirmed Egypt's support for U.S. efforts. He also highlighted Egypt's efforts in the Horn of Africa and its rejection of actions threatening regional stability. President El-Sisi stressed Egypt's water security as an existential issue. The meeting underscor
Egypt's Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir announced the postponement of 20 road projects, a move aimed at decreasing petroleum consumption and lowering the country's import bill. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the government's commitment to tracking projects affected by this rationalization plan, which seeks to optimize fuel usage and enhance national energy security. El Wazir clarified that projects nearing completion or holding strategic importance will continue as planned. Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Randa El-Menshawy confirmed her ministry's support for these measures, aligning with broader government efforts to manage spending and reduce imports amidst global economic challenges. Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi stated that his ministry is focused on securing fuel for key sectors and citizens, while implementing consumption-rationalization measures to address regional tensions and reduce import dependence. Madbouly called for a permanent inter-ministerial coordination framework to oversee the plan, ensuring that these actions reprioritize government spending without impacting essential services or long-term development.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Sultan of the Bohra community Mufaddal Saifuddin, along with his sons Prince Ja’far El-Sadiq Imadduddin, Prince Taha Najmuddin, and Prince Husain Burhanuddin, and the Sultan’s representative in Cairo, Mr. Mufaddal Mohamed Hassan. Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that President El-Sisi welcomed Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin to Egypt, praising the long-standing ties between Egypt and the Bohra community. The President acknowledged the Sultan and the Bohra community’s contributions to restoring mosques and shrines of Ahl Al-Bayt and historic mosques in Cairo, as well as their development and charitable projects in Egypt. President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s dedication to continuing the restoration and development of Ahl Al-Bayt mosques across the country and to supporting the community’s efforts. Sultan Mufaddal expressed gratitude for the reception and highlighted the Bohra community’s work in restoring and maintaining Ahl Al-Bayt and historic mosques, indicating an interest in increasing Bohra tourists to Egypt for cultural, recreational, and religious tourism. The meeting also covered regional developments, with President El-Sisi reiterating Egypt’s commitment to de-escalation. Sultan Mufaddal commended Egypt’s role in promoting peace, security, and stability regionally and globally. Previous meetings between President El-Sisi and Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin occurred in May 2024 and August 2023, where the Su