Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population has closed 16 unlicensed centers for addiction treatment and psychiatric care in El Obour, Qalyubia Governorate. The centers were shut down for violating health and legal regulations, and for operating without official licenses. This move is part of the ministry's efforts to intensify oversight of non-governmental medical facilities to protect citizens' health.
The closures were carried out following a joint inspection campaign by the Health Ministry's free treatment administration, the Qalyubia Health Department, and the National Council for Mental Health. The campaign aimed to ensure that these centers comply with required standards and regulations. The centers that were closed include Al-Nada, Al-Mustaqbal, Al-Andalus, and others.
Dr. Hussam Abd al-Ghafar, the Health Ministry's spokesperson, stated that the campaign's goal is to safeguard citizens' health by ensuring that non-governmental medical facilities adhere to necessary standards. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to taking action against facilities that operate without proper licenses or violate health regulations.
Dr. Hisham Zaki, head of the Central Administration for Non-Governmental Treatment Institutions and Licenses, noted that legal actions will be taken against the closed centers. He also mentioned that inspections will continue across all governorates to ensure compliance with regulations. The most common violations found at these centers included the absence of a technical manager, operating without a license, and inadequate infection control measures.
Dr. Ahmad al-Nahas, head of the Central Administration for the Technical Secretariat of the National Council for Mental Health, pointed out that these centers violated laws regulating non-governmental medical institutions, mental health laws, and infection control regulations. He warned that these violations pose a significant risk to the health and safety of patients.
Al-Nahas urged citizens to verify the licenses of any medical facility before visiting and to report any unlicensed centers through the hotline 01207474740 or the council's official social media pages. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and cooperation in ensuring that medical facilities operate safely and within the law.
The Health Ministry's actions reflect its commitment to protecting public health and enforcing regulations on non-governmental medical facilities. The closures of these unlicensed centers aim to prevent potential harm to patients and ensure that those seeking treatment receive care in safe and licensed facilities.
Key points
- The Egyptian Health Ministry closed 16 unlicensed addiction treatment centers in El Obour due to health and legal violations.
- The centers were shut down for operating without licenses and violating health regulations, including infection control and waste management.
- The ministry will continue to conduct inspections across all governorates to ensure compliance with regulations and protect public health.
