Latest news with #EgyptHealthcareAuthority
Egypt Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- Egypt Independent
Egypt's Healthcare Authority, Arab Emergency Union discuss strategic cooperation
Head of the Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA) Ahmed al-Sobky had talks with Advisor Mishaal bin Al-Daihani, Chairman of the Arab Union for Emergency and Disaster Management, to prepare for a cooperation protocol focused on health emergencies and disaster response. The agreement will include joint training, crisis management, and business continuity, with certified programs for EHA staff and participants from other Arab countries. EHA will offer its field hospitals as training sites. The two sides also discussed collaboration in reconstruction, public awareness campaigns, and sharing Egypt's health system experience across the region. For his part, al-Sobky said that the partnership reflects Egypt's direction toward Arab cooperation in health and emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, Al Daihani praised Egypt's experience and confirmed plans for field-based programs and certified training across the Arab region.
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-05-2025
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Dahab and Nuweiba to get two new hospitals as part of health insurance rollout - Health
The Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA) announced on Tuesday that two new hospitals will open in Dahab and Nuweiba in South Sinai in early fiscal year 2025/26 as part of Egypt's push to expand its Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS). South Sinai is one of six governorates in the first phase of Egypt's national health insurance rollout, which is due to conclude in July 2025 with the addition of Aswan. The UHIS aims to cover the entire population by 2030. According to Egypt Healthcare Authority Chairman Ahmed El-Sobky, the hospitals' construction cost a combined EGP 1.3 billion. Nuweibaa Central Hospital, covering 5,000 square metres, has 42 dialysis machines and departments for inpatient care, intensive care, emergency services, surgery, radiology, endoscopy, labs, a blood bank, and 10 outpatient clinics. The project cost over EGP 600 million. Meanwhile, Dahab New Hospital includes 58 beds, six outpatient clinics, a neonatal intensive care unit, labs, emergency surgery, dialysis, radiology, endoscopy, and blood services departments. Construction and equipment costs totalled EGP 728 million. The two facilities join five other hospitals already operating under the authority in South Sinai: Sharm El-Sheikh International, Ras Sedr Specialized, Taba Central, Saint Catherine, and Al-Fayrouz Medical Complex. Together, they have delivered more than 1.5 million medical services since the UHIS launched in the region in 2018. Staff from existing hospitals will begin transferring to the new system in the next fiscal year and will be trained to meet UHIS standards. El-Sobky said the state has spent more than EGP 4 billion on operating the scheme in South Sinai, including infrastructure and equipment. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Beyond Paperwork: The Rise of Digital Insurance in Egypt
In recent years, Egypt has embarked on a significant journey to transform its health insurance sector through digital transformation. Such a shift promises to unlock substantial economic benefits for the nation. Fueled by growing awareness of healthcare's importance and support from public-private sector initiatives, this shift is rapidly evolving the Egyptian health insurance landscape. Digital transformation offers various economic benefits, ranging from heightened workforce productivity and optimized resource allocation to the strategic implications for healthcare investment. The Evolving Landscape of Egypt's Health Insurance Egypt's health insurance sector is rapidly changing, driven by both public and private stakeholders and the rising awareness of the importance of healthcare coverage among people. Net assets of insurance companies, including health insurers, increased by 35.4% to EGP 242.3 billion at the end of 2023, from EGP 179.0 billion in 2022, according to data by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). Meanwhile, total premiums, excluding those linked to investment policies and fund formation contracts, rose to EGP 61.4 billion. Compensation payouts by insurance companies, excluding those for investment-related policies and fund formation contracts, reached EGP 27.3 billion in 2023, a 17.2% increase from EGP 23.3 billion in 2022, as reported by the FRA. In October 2024, the Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA) revealed that 870,600 people benefited from its services under the Comprehensive Health Insurance Provinces during Q1 of fiscal year (FY) 2024/2025. During Q1 FY 2024/2025, 495 new medical services were introduced, including over 35 treatment departments across the EHA's Facilities and 336 specialized clinics in 56 family medicine centers. The sector is structured around two main pillars: the public sector, primarily represented by the Ministry of Health and the Health Insurance Organization (HIO), and the growing private sector. Egypt's population of over 101 million continues to fuel demand for expanded and improved healthcare coverage. Digital transformation in Egypt's health insurance is centered around the Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS), supported by international partnerships with the World Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Domestically, a key collaboration between e-finance/eHealth, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, and GAHI aims to integrate health insurance with the broader social protection network. This initiative seeks to simplify access to healthcare, improve financial stability, expand digital services, enhance resource management, and empower both public and private healthcare providers. Driving Workforce Productivity, Strategic Healthcare Investment Digitizing the health insurance system can positively impact Egypt's economy. Saber Shaker, an international economics professor at the Faculty of Commerce, Helwan University, tells Arab Finance: 'Digitizing the health insurance system enables Egypt to streamline administrative processes, reduce fraud and errors, and improve transparency.' Shaker, the former local economic development consultant at UN-HABITAT and former innovation and entrepreneurship consultant at USAID, adds: 'These improvements lead to cost savings for government agencies and greater accountability in public spending. By integrating health insurance with wider social protection programs, such as pensions and unemployment benefits, Egypt can enhance its economic resilience.' A cohesive digital infrastructure guarantees that at-risk populations gain prompt, extensive assistance, especially during economic downturns or widespread health emergencies. This proactive approach bolsters social stability and curtails future expenses associated with untreated health conditions, according to Shaker. 'Digital platforms reduce waiting times, paperwork, and in-person visits for both patients and providers. These efficiencies translate into measurable economic gains. For individuals, fewer hours lost to healthcare bureaucracy mean more time for productive employment or education. For providers, digital records and automated claims processing free up resources to focus on patient care rather than administrative overhead,' Shaker explains. Altogether, this elevates workforce productivity and facilitates the reallocation of national funds from inefficiencies towards crucial investments in healthcare infrastructure and advancements, he says. Challenges Hindering Health Insurance Digitalization Despite the promising impacts of the digital transformation on health insurance, it can face a number of challenges. Shaker points out, 'Egypt faces notable challenges in achieving full digital integration. Infrastructure disparities, especially in rural areas, limit access to reliable internet and digital health platforms.' 'Additionally, varying levels of digital literacy among healthcare workers, patients, and insurance administrators hinder effective system adoption,' he adds. Yet, these challenges can be mitigated. According to Shaker, 'overcoming these barriers requires targeted investment in connectivity, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns. These steps ensure inclusive access and equitable service delivery across all segments of the population.' Egypt stands at a pivotal juncture in leveraging digital technologies to reshape its health insurance sector and, in turn, bolster its economic prospects. The ongoing digital transformation, spearheaded by the ambitious UHIS and supported by collaborative efforts, promises significant gains in efficiency, transparency, and workforce productivity. As the nation navigates the evolving landscape of healthcare coverage, the strategic integration of digital solutions offers a pathway to optimized resource allocation and enhanced social resilience. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt, China sign deal to strengthen cooperation in healthcare sector
Egypt - Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairperson of Egypt Healthcare Authority, participated in the 2025 Shenzhen-Cairo Economic and Trade Exchange Forum—one of the leading platforms advancing economic and investment ties between the two countries. The forum placed a strong focus on priority sectors, especially smart and technological healthcare. El-Sobky announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese diagnostics giant Snibe, marking a significant step toward establishing integrated diagnostic complexes in Egypt. The partnership, backed by Chinese investment, also aims to transfer advanced medical testing technologies to the Egyptian healthcare system. 'This agreement marks a milestone in our growing collaboration with leading Chinese companies,' El-Sobky said. 'We've already signed cooperation protocols with tech giants like Mindray and Huawei, and today's partnership with Snibe opens up further opportunities in laboratory and diagnostic innovation.' Reflecting on his previous visits to China, El-Sobky said they laid the groundwork for future cooperation in biotechnology and gene medicine. He emphasized Egypt's ambition to become a regional hub for advanced medical technologies, noting mutual interest in developing smart medical city models inspired by Huawei's advanced campus in China. 'We're witnessing genuine momentum in Egyptian-Chinese healthcare collaboration—from building hospitals to pioneering technological models of care,' El-Sobky noted. 'This is a strategic partnership with the potential to transform healthcare delivery across the region.' El-Sobky also addressed investors directly, encouraging them to visit Shenzhen, as invited by its mayor, to exchange expertise and explore business opportunities. 'China is one of Egypt's most important strategic partners in driving economic cooperation across the Middle East and Africa,' he added. 'We must capitalize on this foundation to deliver real, tangible outcomes.' The forum concluded with the signing of several key cooperation agreements and MoUs. Among them was the standout MoU between Egypt Healthcare Authority and Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co. (Snibe). The agreement focuses on enhancing technical and institutional capacity through joint training programs, workshops, and field visits. It will also support knowledge transfer to Egyptian healthcare professionals under the Universal Health Insurance System. Speaking at the event, Chen Weiqiang, Mayor of Shenzhen, commended Egypt's investment-friendly climate and expressed strong interest in deepening bilateral economic ties. Meanwhile, Liao Liqiang, China's Ambassador to Egypt, praised the enduring strategic relationship between the two nations and reaffirmed China's commitment to advancing healthcare cooperation for a more prosperous and innovative future.
Daily News Egypt
21-04-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, China sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in healthcare sector
Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairperson of Egypt Healthcare Authority, participated in the 2025 Shenzhen-Cairo Economic and Trade Exchange Forum—one of the leading platforms advancing economic and investment ties between the two countries. The forum placed a strong focus on priority sectors, especially smart and technological healthcare. El-Sobky announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese diagnostics giant Snibe, marking a significant step toward establishing integrated diagnostic complexes in Egypt. The partnership, backed by Chinese investment, also aims to transfer advanced medical testing technologies to the Egyptian healthcare system. 'This agreement marks a milestone in our growing collaboration with leading Chinese companies,' El-Sobky said. 'We've already signed cooperation protocols with tech giants like Mindray and Huawei, and today's partnership with Snibe opens up further opportunities in laboratory and diagnostic innovation.' Reflecting on his previous visits to China, El-Sobky said they laid the groundwork for future cooperation in biotechnology and gene medicine. He emphasized Egypt's ambition to become a regional hub for advanced medical technologies, noting mutual interest in developing smart medical city models inspired by Huawei's advanced campus in China. 'We're witnessing genuine momentum in Egyptian-Chinese healthcare collaboration—from building hospitals to pioneering technological models of care,' El-Sobky noted. 'This is a strategic partnership with the potential to transform healthcare delivery across the region.' El-Sobky also addressed investors directly, encouraging them to visit Shenzhen, as invited by its mayor, to exchange expertise and explore business opportunities. 'China is one of Egypt's most important strategic partners in driving economic cooperation across the Middle East and Africa,' he added. 'We must capitalize on this foundation to deliver real, tangible outcomes.' The forum concluded with the signing of several key cooperation agreements and MoUs. Among them was the standout MoU between Egypt Healthcare Authority and Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co. (Snibe). The agreement focuses on enhancing technical and institutional capacity through joint training programs, workshops, and field visits. It will also support knowledge transfer to Egyptian healthcare professionals under the Universal Health Insurance System. Speaking at the event, Chen Weiqiang, Mayor of Shenzhen, commended Egypt's investment-friendly climate and expressed strong interest in deepening bilateral economic ties. Meanwhile, Liao Liqiang, China's Ambassador to Egypt, praised the enduring strategic relationship between the two nations and reaffirmed China's commitment to advancing healthcare cooperation for a more prosperous and innovative future.
