On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Ambassador Nabila Makram, head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Work, inaugurated the first cyclotron unit at Shifaa Al-Orman Hospital in Luxor. The event was attended by Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Maya Marzouki, Minister of Local Development and Environment Dr. Manal Awad, and Luxor Governor Eng. Abdelmotaleb Amara. This unit is the first and largest of its kind in Upper Egypt, specializing in producing short-lived radioactive isotopes for accurate diagnosis and early cancer detection.
The cyclotron unit is a significant addition to the medical services offered by Shifaa Al-Orman Hospital, which is part of the National Alliance for Civil Work. The unit will support nuclear medicine services, enabling the hospital to conduct advanced diagnostic tests, including positron emission tomography (PET/CT) scans. This will reduce the need for patients to travel to Cairo for such tests, improving healthcare accessibility in Upper Egypt.
During the inauguration ceremony, attendees took a tour of the hospital, inspecting the cyclotron unit and its advanced equipment. They also visited various medical sections and units, witnessing the level of diagnostic and therapeutic services provided to patients free of charge. Ambassador Makram emphasized that the cyclotron unit's opening reflects the importance of partnership between state institutions, civil society organizations, and the banking sector in supporting advanced healthcare services.
Mahmoud Fouad, Executive Director of Shifaa Al-Orman Foundation, highlighted that the cyclotron unit's opening marks a significant milestone in the hospital's journey. He stressed that the foundation is committed to continuously developing its medical services and providing the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies free of charge to the people of Upper Egypt. The unit will play a crucial role in supporting nuclear medicine services and early cancer detection.
The new cyclotron unit will enable the local production of radioactive isotopes, overcoming the challenges of transporting short-lived materials from Cairo. This will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of PET/CT scans, increasing the chances of early cancer detection and monitoring patients' response to treatment. The unit's opening is part of Shifaa Al-Orman Hospital's efforts to develop its cancer treatment and nuclear medicine services.
Shifaa Al-Orman Hospital, affiliated with the Orman Association and part of the National Alliance for Civil Work, is a prominent medical institution specializing in free cancer treatment in Upper Egypt. The hospital offers comprehensive services, including diagnosis, treatment, nuclear medicine, training, and scientific research. The cyclotron unit's opening is a result of the National Alliance for Civil Work and its partners' efforts to support the healthcare sector.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Hatem Metwally, Deputy Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Work, and Ghada Tawfik, Representative of the Central Bank of Egypt. The event demonstrates the collaborative efforts of state institutions, civil society organizations, and the banking sector to support advanced healthcare services and promote healthcare accessibility in Egypt.
Key points
- The cyclotron unit is the first of its kind in Upper Egypt, enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment services.
- The unit will support nuclear medicine services, reducing the need for patients to travel to Cairo for diagnostic tests.
- The National Alliance for Civil Work and its partners are committed to supporting the healthcare sector and promoting healthcare accessibility in Egypt.
