Egypt and China in Talks to Establish Joint Hospital and Strengthen Healthcare Cooperation

Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met with Zheng Zhe, Deputy Minister of China's National Health Commission, on November 10, 2026, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in healthcare. The meeting focused on localizing medical industries, manufacturing medicines and vaccines, digital transformation, and exchanging expertise and medical training. This discussion aims to strengthen Egypt's healthcare system by leveraging Chinese expertise and technologies.

The proposed 350-bed Egyptian-Chinese hospital was a key topic of discussion, with former health minister Hatem el Gabaly outlining the project. The hospital would be established through joint Egyptian-Chinese investment, relying on Chinese medical equipment, technology, and expertise. Part of its services would focus on treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine, representing a promising model of partnership that goes beyond medical services to include technology transfer and investment in Egypt's healthcare sector.

Minister Abdel Ghaffar emphasized Egypt's appreciation for its longstanding strategic relations with China and its aspiration to expand cooperation in pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing. He also highlighted the potential for localization of medical equipment and supplies production, as well as benefiting from Chinese expertise and technologies. The meeting explored opportunities for cooperation in developing ambulance services and the provision of equipment and technologies used in ambulances.

The two sides discussed potential partnerships to equip hospitals being prepared for integration into the Universal Health Insurance System. Minister Abdel Ghaffar called for increased Chinese investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, particularly in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing. This investment would create opportunities to expand into regional markets, further solidifying Egypt's position in the healthcare sector.

Zheng Zhe expressed China's appreciation for Egypt's standing and reaffirmed China's interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation. He stressed the importance of continued coordination to identify priority areas and establish practical mechanisms for partnerships in medical manufacturing, ambulance services, digital transformation, and medical training. This cooperation aims to support Egypt's healthcare sector development.

The meeting also covered negotiations with several Chinese companies to facilitate technology transfer and local production of medical equipment, including mobile X-ray equipment. Minister Abdel Ghaffar noted the aspiration to increase the number of short-term educational grants offered by China to train Egyptian physicians at Chinese medical institutions. This training would encompass various specialties, including digital transformation, enhancing Egypt's healthcare capabilities.

The proposed hospital and expanded cooperation between Egypt and China represent a significant step forward in their bilateral relations. By combining Egyptian and Chinese expertise, the project aims to provide high-quality medical services while promoting technology transfer and investment in Egypt's healthcare sector. The collaboration has the potential to strengthen Egypt's position in the regional healthcare market and improve its healthcare system.

Key points

• Egypt and China are discussing the establishment of a 350-bed Egyptian-Chinese hospital through joint investment.
• The two countries aim to expand cooperation in pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, medical equipment production, and digital transformation.
• The proposed hospital would rely on Chinese medical equipment, technology, and expertise, with part of its services focused on traditional Chinese medicine treatments.