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Al-Ahram Weekly

Egypt launches 5th Check on Your Child campaign under universal insurance plan - Health

Egypt has launched the fifth phase of its Check on Your Child campaign, a free medical screening programme targeting more than 250,000 students in public schools across five governorates covered by the Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS). The Egyptian Healthcare Authority (EHA), which is overseeing the programme, said the screenings will run through October and cover pupils entering kindergarten, sixth grade, and tenth grade in the 2025–26 academic year. The campaign is being rolled out in Port Said, Luxor, Ismailia, South Sinai, and Suez—the first five governorates included in the UHIS since its gradual rollout began in 2018. Students in all public education streams, including Al-Azhar and technical and sports schools, will be eligible. The exams include general medical check-ups, eye and skin assessments, dental exams, and visual, hearing, and mental health impairments screenings. Older students entering preparatory and secondary school will also be tested for Hepatitis C and undergo comprehensive blood tests and early screenings for chronic illnesses. Students with health issues will be referred to UHIS-affiliated health centres and units for further testing and treatment, free of charge. All results will be digitally stored in each student's electronic health record to allow for long-term monitoring through the Family Medicine Units. Students can schedule appointments through the national hotline 15344. EHA chairman Ahmed El-Sobky said the screenings are critical to supporting children's physical and mental development and detecting health problems early. He added that the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to improve public health and invest in the country's younger generations. As part of the UHIS expansion, the authority recently added two new hospitals in Dahab and Nuweiba in South Sinai. Earlier this month, the Egyptian cabinet approved the system's rollout in Aswan, which will begin full operations on 1 July 2025—making it the sixth governorate to join the programme. The UHIS aims to provide universal healthcare coverage for all Egyptians by 2030. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: