Dr. Mohamed Awad Tag-Din, Advisor to the Egyptian President for Health Affairs, highlighted the significant progress in Egypt's healthcare system, attributing it to the substantial support it has received. He noted that health initiatives have greatly contributed to the early detection of diseases and tumors, thereby reducing complications and protecting citizens' health. These initiatives have been instrumental in promoting preventive care and improving health outcomes.
The early detection of tumors, particularly those affecting women, has led to a notable increase in recovery rates. Similarly, early detection of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes plays a crucial role in preventing complications, including kidney failure. Dr. Tag-Din pointed out that initiatives for early detection of hearing and vision problems in children have been provided free of charge, leading to the identification and treatment of a significant number of cases.
The initiative to eliminate waiting lists for surgical operations has benefited nearly two million citizens, with priority given to cases related to heart, brain, and artery diseases, at a cost of approximately 3 billion Egyptian pounds. This initiative has been implemented in collaboration with various state entities. Dr. Tag-Din emphasized that these health initiatives are a crucial step towards implementing the comprehensive health insurance system.
The comprehensive health insurance system provides a health file for each family member, facilitating prevention, early detection, and treatment. This system differs from the social health insurance, which is limited to specific beneficiary groups. Dr. Tag-Din noted that the system has been well-received by citizens in the governorates where it has been implemented, with various medical institutions participating based on accredited standards to ensure service quality.
Efforts are underway to qualify medical institutions and human cadres, with continuous training for different medical groups. The Egyptian Health Council sets standards for qualification, training, and evaluation. Dr. Tag-Din highlighted that Egypt possesses a qualified medical workforce, with ongoing training programs in various specialties. He also emphasized the importance of preventive care, starting from maternal and child health, and the development of the national vaccination program.
The national vaccination program has contributed to the eradication of polio and the reduction of infectious diseases. Dr. Tag-Din mentioned the efforts to combat endemic diseases and the follow-up on the epidemiological map of diseases and epidemics. He also referred to the achievements in dealing with the hepatitis C virus through the national campaign for detection and treatment, as well as the national efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Tag-Din discussed the localization of the pharmaceutical industry, noting that Egypt has a historic industrial base in this field, dating back to 1936. He mentioned the increase in production capacity, with around 180 companies producing drugs, covering over 94% of market needs. The localization of biological drug production and cancer treatments is a strategic pillar for achieving health security and providing advanced treatments at reasonable prices.
Key points
- Health initiatives have significantly contributed to the early detection of diseases and tumors in Egypt.
- The comprehensive health insurance system aims to provide a health file for each family member, facilitating prevention, early detection, and treatment.
- Egypt has made significant progress in localizing the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on producing biological drugs and cancer treatments.
