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Al-Ahram Weekly
4 days ago
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Medicine for all - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
Sharing surplus medications with patients in need is a step forward in addressing the challenges of drug shortages and soaring prices. The idea began with a simple humanitarian act when someone approached Waleed Shawky, then a pharmacist, carrying a bag of medicines he no longer needed after his recovery and asked that they could be offered to someone in need. Soon afterwards, another patient entered the pharmacy with a prescription and inquired about the cost of the medications. The total exceeded what the patient could afford, prompting him to leave without buying his medicine. At that moment, Shawky recalled the donated bag, reviewed its contents, and discovered that five of the seven prescribed medications were in it. He immediately provided them to the patient free of charge, leaving only two medicines to be purchased. In this way, the donated medicines reached someone in genuine need, significantly reducing the cost of treatment. From this modest incident, the idea of establishing the Al-Dawaa Lil-Gamei (Medicine for All Foundation) was born, inspired by the belief that 'the medicine you may no longer need could benefit someone else.' As such acts of kindness became more frequent, Shawky recognised the need to transform these individual efforts into an organised foundation. He applied for its registration and obtained an official licence from the Ministry of Social Solidarity, said Yousra Elmonshed, executive secretary of the Medicine for All Foundation. 'Although the foundation began its work in 2013, its role has grown increasingly vital in helping to address the shortages of medicines and medical supplies that have affected the Egyptian market. This comes in addition to the rising prices of imported medications, driven by the widening gap between the US dollar and the Egyptian pound,' Elmonshed said. The emergence of medicine shortages coincided with an announcement by Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, published on the cabinet website last September, stating that the government had succeeded in resolving the shortages of approximately 470 pharmaceutical products out of 580 that had previously been in short supply. He also pointed to the production of more than 133 million packages of over 360 types of medicines and pharmaceutical products since last August to meet market needs and stated that Egypt produces 91 per cent of its pharmaceutical requirements domestically, in addition to pursuing plans to support exports, which have exceeded $1 billion. However, alongside these government efforts, there remains an ongoing need for greater community participation to help provide medications for patients who cannot afford the cost of drugs. According to Elmonshed, the foundation took its first steps from its branch in the Nasr City area of Cairo. Over time, it became known through word-of-mouth among local residents and neighbouring charitable associations without any organised advertising campaigns. More people began sending unused medications to its pharmacy. 'As the number of donors increased, a small group of volunteers assumed the responsibility of sorting the medicines and verifying their validity before dispensing them to patients. Gradually, the number of beneficiaries also grew, which led to the expansion of the team,' she said. 'At the beginning, the work was limited to a small number of volunteers, including medical doctors and pharmacists, due to the importance of having both medical and administrative supervision of the sorting and dispensing of medications. Over time, the initiative transformed from simple individual efforts into a more structured framework, and the foundation began hiring permanent staff.' 'With the expansion of its operations, the foundation grew to include branches in other governorates across the country, including Mansoura, Alexandria, Beni Sweif, Qanater, and others. Today, the Cairo branch alone has more than 45 employees who oversee all stages of work, from receiving and sorting the medications to dispensing them to patients,' she said. SUPPORT: According to Elmonshed, the foundation's data indicates that it provides monthly support to nearly 6,500 patients, offering them medicines that meet their needs for the treatment of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, endocrine disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatism. The support is not limited to medications for chronic illnesses but also extends to providing high-cost treatments, including cancer medications. 'There are patients who require medications where the cost of a single package can reach LE80,000, such as some drugs used as alternatives to chemotherapy in tablet form. In such cases, the foundation collaborates with the pharmaceutical companies through each company's scientific office, whereby the company covers part of the cost, the foundation covers another portion through donations, and the patient contributes a share. Through this model, many patients are able to receive regular monthly treatment at a cost significantly lower than the actual market price,' Elmonshed said. 'But despite these efforts, there is still a waiting list of cases in need of medications that are either unavailable or very expensive. The foundation works to collect donations to purchase and provide these medicines for them.' The foundation has three main departments, the Medication Collection and Transport Department, the Patient Support Department, and the Pharmacy Department. 'The first is responsible for receiving medications from donors and organising the collection process,' Elmonshed explained. 'Individuals who wish to donate surplus medications can submit a request in advance either by calling the foundation's hotline at 15963 or by reaching out through its social media platforms. Once the request is received, a representative visits the donor's home to collect the medications in a safe manner. There is no minimum quantity required because even a single blister pack can make a real difference for a patient who cannot afford to buy the medicine they need.' 'There is a second method for collecting medications, which involves donation boxes in pharmacies, clubs, and major shopping malls, such as Citystars in Nasr City. These boxes are securely designed to ensure the safety of the donated medicines and to prevent any attempts at tampering. When donors place their surplus medications in the boxes, the foundation's representatives collect them. Donors can also deliver their medications directly to the foundation's main branch or any of its other branches.' 'With regard to medications that require special storage conditions, such as refrigerated drugs, we adhere to strict safety standards and coordinate with donors in advance to ensure that the medicines have been properly stored in a refrigerator,' Elmonshed said. 'A representative of the foundation visits the donor carrying a specialised medical cooler to maintain the quality of the medication during transport, especially in the case of insulin and other medicines that require low temperatures.' 'Afterwards, the Pharmacy Department takes over, as it is responsible for managing the medicine stock in the foundation. Donated medications go through several meticulous stages before reaching patients, starting with the sorting phase handled by the pharmacy team. This carefully inspects each individual package to verify its integrity. In the case of tablet medications in blister strips, only sealed strips with remaining tablets are accepted. Liquid medicines such as syrups, drops, opened ointments, and opened tablet containers are not accepted to ensure patient safety.' 'Once the donated medicines are received, their validity is confirmed, and any expired items are discarded. If the tablets come from a partially used blister pack, the remaining sealed tablets are carefully cut out in a way that preserves the visible expiration date. Tablets of the same medication and dosage are then grouped together to form a complete package. After the medicines are prepared, the available items and shortages are recorded in the foundation's electronic system. It works on purchasing missing medicines using the financial donations it receives to ensure a continuous supply for patients.' Elmonshed explained that the Patient Support Department manages both the administrative and medical aspects of each case. The process begins by opening a medical file that records the patient's health condition, social background, and medication history. Patients must submit required documents, including a national ID card, a recent medical report, an updated prescription, and an official statement from the Social Insurance Authority confirming insurance and employment status. For children, a birth certificate is also needed. 'The foundation only allows first-degree relatives to apply on behalf of patients who are unable to attend in person, such as children applying for their parents or vice versa, as well as spouses,' Elmonshed said. 'Once the documents are complete, the foundation's medical committee composed of physicians and pharmacists conducts a comprehensive evaluation. This includes reviewing the medical condition through lab tests, radiology results, and prescribed treatments, along with assessing the social and financial situation of the patient. Factors such as pensions or a lack of insurance are considered to determine the appropriate type of support, whether full exemption, partial assistance, or no support, ensuring that help reaches those who are financially unable to afford their medications,' she added. 'The medical committee holds its meetings weekly at scheduled times, and usually the patient receives an immediate response following the evaluation. In cases where support is approved, the medications are dispensed on the same day, and all the patient's data is entered into the foundation's electronic system, which records the details of the medical file, medication dispensing history, and any future updates related to the case.' 'Afterwards, patients receiving regular monthly treatment contact the foundation by phone to schedule an appointment to collect their medications. The team prepares the medications in the required doses according to the approved prescription for each case. In addition to dispensing monthly medications, the foundation also responds to urgent medical needs, such as providing relatively costly cold medications or antibiotics. If a financially vulnerable patient applies for such medicines, the foundation provides them as well.' ACTIONS: In some cases, the foundation's role goes beyond providing monthly support or emergency medications to patients and also extends to responding to medicine shortages in the market. According to Elmonshed, the foundation offers this service to all, whether they are permanent beneficiaries of its support or individuals who are financially able but facing difficulties in finding unavailable medicines at pharmacies. 'In such cases, patients or their families can contact the foundation to inquire about the availability of a required medication. If the medicine is available in quantities exceeding the needs of the foundation's supported patients, it is provided to the requester in exchange for a voluntary donation without setting a fixed amount, with the proceeds directed to help patients who are financially vulnerable,' she said. 'The effectiveness of this service has become especially evident in the light of the significant increase in medicine prices in recent times, which has not only doubled the suffering of patients but also impacted the volume of donations. Some people have started holding on to their surplus medications out of fear they might need them later amidst shortages of certain medicines, which has made it more challenging to provide medications to those in need,' Elmonshed explained. 'The foundation deals with patients from various backgrounds, but the elderly often represent the category most in need of medications, particularly pensioners whose limited incomes can no longer keep pace with the rising cost of medicines, especially in cases of chronic illnesses or long-term treatments. Among the groups that most frequently turn to the foundation are kidney patients and children with muscular atrophy, whose conditions require expensive medications their families cannot afford.' 'In addition to providing medications, we also offer medical supplies free of charge, as they may pose an additional financial burden on patients. The medical aids we provide include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, back braces, and oxygen devices, whether cylinders or concentrators, among others,' she added. Beyond medical supplies, the foundation has played an active role in delivering various healthcare services, as Waleed Shawky, chairman of the foundation, explained. 'Our work has not been limited to medications and supplies alone, as we have also launched several initiatives aimed at directly supporting patients. One such is the 'Al-Aziz Coupon', which is based on a simple concept of solidarity, allowing anyone to offer their neighbour or someone in need a coupon valid for purchasing medicine from a pharmacy, without making them feel they are in need. It is a model we are currently working on developing,' Shawky said. 'One of the important initiatives is 'Sponsor a Sick Child', a dedicated fund aimed at providing high-cost medications for children with muscular atrophy, especially since the medicines we receive in syrup form are often unsuitable for use. Therefore, it was essential to allocate a separate budget for purchasing them.' 'We also participate in field campaigns such as 'Door-to-Door', which aims at raising awareness about the Foundation and reaching the most vulnerable cases. Through these campaigns, we gather data on the cases and verify their medical and social conditions to provide them with the appropriate medication.' 'The role of the foundation became particularly prominent during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the country faced a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies. The foundation was among the first entities to provide support. We supplied oxygen concentrators for home use by Covid-19 patients, in addition to providing masks, gloves, sanitisers, and protective clothing for medical teams,' Shawky said. 'Due to the acute shortage of these supplies at the time, we undertook their manufacture and distributed them free of charge to government hospitals. Around the clock, we worked to secure the needs of patients, including medicines, oxygen cylinders, and everything required for home treatment.' 'Our collaborations with universities and syndicates helped us greatly. We partnered with the faculties of medicine and pharmacy at both public and private universities to train students on handling medications, classifying them, and preparing prescriptions. We also organised medical convoys in partnership with these institutions and placed medicine collection boxes on university campuses to promote the culture of donation among young people.' 'Through our activities in universities and on various platforms, we have been able to recruit a large number of volunteers who have played a major role in raising awareness about the foundation. With their help, we have conducted awareness lectures in clubs, companies, and public places on the safe use of medications and proper storage methods at home, with the aim of reducing waste and misuse.' 'The volunteers have also played a vital role within the foundation, particularly during the summer months. We rely on them to collect and deliver medications to patients. Each volunteer works within their own geographical area, which helps reduce the logistical burden on us,' he said. 'We started with a team of no more than two people, and today we work with 95 employees spread across the foundation's various branches. This expansion would not have been possible without the support and trust of the people. We still dream of expanding to every governorate and hope that the state will support us in scaling up this system nationwide.' * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Nurturing the youngest - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
A plan to upgrade nurseries and improve services for children under four is now in action The Ministry of Social Solidarity began a nationwide inventory of nurseries on 29 June in alignment with the presidential directives issued in March on International Women's Day to increase the number of nurseries and raise the enrollment rate of children from birth to four years old. In May and during a meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, Maya Morsi, the minister of social solidarity, reviewed the status of nurseries under the National Early Childhood Development Programme, outlining the plan for early childhood development and nursery services. The plan aims to expand the number of nurseries by 2027 to accommodate 13,000 children, upgrade 113 nurseries, establish 176 new ones, and train 2,308 care providers, nursery managers, and parents on ways to deal with kids in addition to implementing a unified preschool curriculum and activities to be offered in nurseries nationwide. According to the latest Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) figures, the number of children in Egypt was 39.6 million in mid-2023, with 20.3 million males (51.3 per cent of the total) and 19.3 million females. The number of nurseries affiliated with the Ministry of Social Solidarity rose to 25,200, with 1.5 million children enrolled in 2022. With the commencement of the census, 1,800 social workers were deployed countrywide to collect detailed information on children from birth to four years old, as well as on licensed and unlicensed nurseries. Nursery owners were taken by surprise when staff from the social solidarity directorates and rural women leaders arrived to inspect the premises, take photographs, and check birth certificates. This raised concerns, particularly among owners of unlicensed nurseries. According to a working mother in Zeitoun neighbourhood, 'There are very few licensed nurseries in the area. Most of them are unlicensed, and their monthly fees are lower.' 'My work gave me only three months of maternity leave, and I didn't have the luxury of staying home to care for my newborn. At first, I tried to apply for my daughter at a well-known nursery in our neighbourhood, but it had a waiting list and the fees were exorbitant. I was worried about the alternative: unlicensed nurseries, as I assumed their standards would be poor or that they wouldn't provide proper care.' 'I was surprised to find the opposite. I enrolled my daughter in a nursery located on the second floor, and found that it provided excellent care, attention, education, and cleanliness.' A nursery owner in the same neighbourhood said, 'The only space I could find for a nursery was a spacious apartment on the third floor, which meant I was violating the first licensing condition: that nurseries must be located on the ground floor. I had searched extensively for ground-floor spaces, but couldn't find any. I did find a villa with a garden, but at a monthly rent of LE25,000, which I couldn't afford.' The owner noted that the cost of furnishing and equipping the nursery is very high, explaining that one child's chair costs LE250. She added that she had tried to obtain a loan from Nasser Bank to improve the nursery, but the primary requirement was having a licensed facility — something she did not have. Upon starting the census, due to concerns voiced by unlicensed nurseries, the Ministry of Social Solidarity granted them a temporary licence valid for six months, allowing time to rectify their legal status. To obtain the temporary licence, applicants must comply with several regulations, including requirements related to both the licensed applicant and the nursery administrator. These include submitting a copy of their national ID, educational qualifications, a criminal record certificate, a health certificate, a declaration confirming the appointment of qualified staff, and the availability of personnel files. If the staff are unqualified, they will receive training in coordination with the ministry. Additionally, applicants must submit a declaration of implementing a child protection policy, a statement assuming full responsibility for children's safety, and a declaration committing to compliance with all relevant authorities during the temporary licence period, including Civil Protection, the Ministry of Local Development, the New Urban Communities Authority, and other relevant bodies. Regarding location, the regulations stipulate that nurseries must be located no higher than the first floor, possess proof of ownership or a valid lease, adhere to the child capacity specified in the temporary licence, and be situated in an area free of any hazards that could endanger children. The ministerial circular also outlined procedures for the directorates to follow. These include conducting a census of all requests submitted by nurseries seeking to regularise their status, classifying the obstacles preventing licensing, and submitting this information to the ministry. In addition, each directorate must submit a monthly report detailing the number of completed temporary licence applications. Furthermore, a committee stemming from the Higher Committee for Nurseries was established to oversee the regularisation process and address related challenges. Its responsibilities include compiling a national database of statistics received from the directorates and identifying and resolving issues impeding the issuance of temporary licences. The committee is also tasked with coordinating with relevant authorities as needed. A central committee has also been established to monitor nurseries that have been granted temporary licences, following a timetable to ensure their eligibility and oversee the progress of their licensing procedures. Upon hearing about the census, an unlicensed nursery declined to take in children, leading one mother of two to find another nursery. 'It was also unlicensed, but located on the ground floor, though far from my home. Still, I had no alternative,' the mother said. Unlicensed nursery fees in middle income areas start from LE1,200 while licensed nurseries start at LE2,500. 'The survey is being conducted using Geographic Information Systems, in line with national digitisation and digital transformation efforts,' said Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity Margaret Saroufim. 'The census is meant to develop policies supporting families. The lack of data in this sector hinders development strategies,' she added. According to Morsi during her meeting with Madbouli in May, a proposal to amend the regulations governing nurseries has been finalised. In addition, an integrated system has been developed to automate early childhood services, including licensing procedures for nurseries. The goal is to address the key challenges nurseries face and improve access for children. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Identity
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
A Step In the Right Direction: Egyptians to Face Fine for Returning a Sponsored Child to a Foster Home
News of a new policy introduced by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, which imposes a 20,000 EGP fine on any family that decides to return a sponsored child to a state-run foster home, is going viral. This announcement comes following the release of one of Ramadan's most talked-about shows, Welad El Shams, prompting many to draw a direct link between the drama's storyline and the timing of this policy. The goal is clearly to ensure that the decision to sponsor a child under the kafala system is not taken lightly but rather treated with deep seriousness and long-term commitment from the foster families. However, public opinion has been divided, with some questioning the impact of enforcing such policy. Could the fear of a fine force foster families to keep children they're not emotionally invested in, leaving those children to suffer in environments lacking love and genuine care? So, what do you think about this new policy? Will it truly make a difference, or does it need to be complemented with stronger first-stage assessments, ensuring that only families who are psychologically and emotionally prepared for fostering are allowed to take that step?
Egypt Today
26-05-2025
- Egypt Today
6.779 pilgrims arrived Saudi Arabia since start of Hajj pilgrimage on May 18th, Solidarity Ministry
CAIRO – 26 May 2025: The Civil Society Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia has received 6.779 pilgrims since the start of the Hajj pilgrimage on May 18th, according to Ayman Abdel Mawgoud, Permanent Undersecretary of Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity and Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission. Abdel Mawgoud, stated that 2.625 pilgrims arrived at Jeddah Airport, while 4.154 pilgrims arrived at Medina Airport. This was amid extensive arrangements and full coordination with relevant authorities to facilitate all procedures from the moment of arrival until they settle into their accommodations. Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission confirmed that flights will continue daily according to a precise schedule until the full pilgrims are dispatched next Friday, May 30. The ministry is fully committed to providing an integrated system of services, including comfortable accommodations and safe transportation. The Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission explained that the mission is working around the clock to monitor the conditions of the pilgrims, through a central operations room and field committees in Mecca and Medina. He emphasized that all procedures are being carried out in coordination with the Saudi authorities to ensure smooth flow of traffic and ease of procedures at airports.
Economic Key
23-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Key
Al-Massiyah Receives 1,300 Egyptian Pilgrims from Social Solidarity Delegation in Makkah for Hajj 2025
In a heartfelt display of hospitality and readiness, Al-Massiyah Pilgrims Services Company welcomed 1,300 Egyptian pilgrims from the Ministry of Social Solidarity's official Hajj delegation upon their arrival in Makkah. This marks another step in the company's mission to deliver an exceptional pilgrimage experience, in line with the highest standards of service and care. The Egyptian pilgrims, who are part of the charitable societies' group, were warmly received at one of the group's partner hotels in Makkah. During the reception, Al-Massiyah representatives reassured the pilgrims of their full preparedness to serve them with excellence, working around the clock to ensure their comfort, safety, and spiritual focus throughout the Hajj journey. As part of the welcome, the company offered a variety of gifts, including Zamzam water, dates, roses, and traditional Saudi coffee—adding a cultural touch to the festive and spiritual atmosphere. The event was attended by key figures from the Tawafa sector and service centers. Pilgrims expressed their deep gratitude and joy at reaching the holy land, praising the generous reception, seamless organization, and the professionalism that reflected the Kingdom's dedication to serving the Guests of Allah. Ali bin Hussein Bandakji, Chairman of Al-Massiyah, emphasized the honor of serving pilgrims, stating: 'Welcoming and serving the Guests of Allah is a noble duty that we cherish. Our entire team works in harmony to ensure that pilgrims perform their rites with ease and peace, in line with the directives of our wise leadership.' Bander bin Abdulrahman Damnahouri, Vice Chairman of the company, stressed the importance of creating a safe and dignified environment for pilgrims: 'We apply the highest quality standards from the moment of arrival until the end of the pilgrimage, ensuring that each pilgrim feels at home and among family.' Mouhammad Aqeel Damnahouri, Al-Massiyah's advisor, noted that comprehensive preparations have been made: 'Our top priority is the comfort and well-being of every pilgrim. We are committed to enriching their journey with high-quality services—spiritual, educational, and logistical—from arrival to departure.' Ali bin Abdullah Alloush, Head of Service Center No. 5 responsible for the charitable societies' pilgrims, concluded: 'Our field teams are well-trained and fully prepared to offer their utmost in service. We pray for the acceptance of every pilgrim's Hajj and for ease in performing their rituals.' This reception is part of Al-Massiyah's broader operational plan that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to elevate the standards of Hajj services and offer a safe, memorable, and spiritually enriching experience to pilgrims from all over the world. تم نسخ الرابط
