Egyptian Minister of Local Development and Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, and Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsi, officially opened the cyclotron unit at Shafa Al-Orman Hospital in Luxor. The event was attended by Luxor Governor, Eng. Abdel Motalib Amara, and other high-ranking officials. The cyclotron unit is the first and largest of its kind in Upper Egypt, responsible for producing short-lived radioactive isotopes used in precise diagnosis and treatment.

The ministers and attendees toured the hospital, inspecting various medical sections and units to assess the quality of medical services provided to patients. The cyclotron unit will enable the hospital to produce radioactive isotopes locally, eliminating the challenge of transporting them from Cairo. This development is expected to significantly enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment in Upper Egypt.

Dr. Manal Awad expressed her joy at participating in the inauguration, highlighting the project's significance in Egypt's healthcare sector. She emphasized that the collaboration between the government, civil society, and the banking sector reflects the state's vision for comprehensive development and effective partnerships.

Dr. Maya Morsi noted that the cyclotron unit's opening marks a significant milestone in Egypt's healthcare sector, demonstrating the power of collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector. She praised the Orman Association's efforts in providing free cancer treatment to patients in Upper Egypt and commended the Egyptian banking sector for its support.

Dr. Morsi emphasized that the project goes beyond adding a new medical technology, as it represents a shift towards providing accurate diagnosis and treatment services using short-lived radioactive isotopes. She highlighted the importance of the Orman Association's model, which has transitioned from providing assistance to building sustainable institutions and services.

Mahmoud Foad, CEO of Shafa Al-Orman Foundation, stated that the cyclotron unit's inauguration marks a historic milestone in the hospital's journey. He emphasized that the unit's operation in Upper Egypt is a testament to the foundation's commitment to achieving health justice and providing top-notch medical care to the region's residents free of charge.

Dr. Hani Hussein, Executive Director of Shafa Al-Orman Hospitals, explained the medical and technical significance of the cyclotron unit. He noted that the unit will enable the production of radioactive isotopes locally, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. The unit is expected to significantly enhance the hospital's capabilities in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Key points

  • The cyclotron unit is the first and largest of its kind in Upper Egypt.
  • The unit will enable the production of radioactive isotopes locally, eliminating the challenge of transporting them from Cairo.
  • The project demonstrates the power of collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector in enhancing healthcare services in Egypt.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.