The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population announced the closure of 16 unlicensed centers for addiction treatment and psychiatric care in El Obour city, Qalyubia governorate. This move was made in response to violations of health and legal regulations, and the centers were found to be operating without official licenses. The closures were carried out by a joint inspection team comprising the Health Ministry, the Qalyubia Health Department, and the National Council for Mental Health.
According to Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, the closed centers included Al-Nada, Al-Mostakbal, Al-Andalus, Al-Tafaool, Tariq Al-Hayat, Al-Thaqa, Al-Tamouh, Amal Jadid, Al-Masar, Al-Najat, Basmat Amal, Al-Bassam, Al-Baraka, Al-Badr, Al-Suwaisa, and Al-Rahma. These centers were found to be operating in contravention of the law, posing a risk to the health and well-being of their clients.
The Ministry of Health stated that the closures were carried out as part of an intensified campaign to monitor and regulate non-governmental medical facilities. This campaign aims to protect public health and ensure that these facilities adhere to the required standards and regulations. The move is also in line with directives from Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the Minister of Health and Population.
Dr. Hisham Zaki, head of the Central Administration for Non-Governmental Therapeutic Institutions and Licenses, emphasized that all necessary legal measures would be taken against the closed centers. He also highlighted that the inspection campaign would continue across all governorates to ensure compliance with regulations. Key violations found at the centers included the absence of a technical director, lack of licenses, and shortcomings in infection control.
The Ministry of Health and the National Council for Mental Health have urged citizens to verify the licenses of any healthcare facilities before visiting them. They can also report any irregularities through the hotline 01207474740 (call or WhatsApp) or through the council's official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Nahas, head of the Technical Secretariat for the National Council for Mental Health, stressed that these centers had contravened the provisions of Law No. 51 of 1981 regulating non-governmental medical institutions, as well as Law No. 71 of 2009 on mental health. He warned that such operations posed a real risk to the safety of clients.
The Egyptian authorities have taken a firm stance on regulating healthcare facilities, particularly those providing addiction treatment and mental health services. The closures reflect a broader effort to ensure that all healthcare providers operate within the legal framework and adhere to health and safety standards.
Key points
- Egyptian health authorities closed 16 unlicensed addiction treatment centers in El Obour city, Qalyubia governorate.
- The centers were found to be operating in contravention of health and legal regulations, posing a risk to public health.
- The closures are part of an intensified campaign to regulate non-governmental medical facilities and protect public health.
