Egyptian Health Minister, Khalid Abdel Ghaffar, recently held a series of meetings with global medical company leaders on the sidelines of the 2026 World Health Summit in Berlin. The meetings aimed to explore cooperation and investment opportunities in the healthcare sector, with a focus on developing Egypt's healthcare system and enhancing its position as a regional hub. Abdel Ghaffar met with Mahmoud Al-Daqouqi, Regional Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Erba Electromedizin, to discuss potential investments and collaborations.
During the meeting with Al-Daqouqi, the two sides discussed creating joint investment opportunities and enhancing the capabilities of Egyptian medical institutions in advanced surgical technologies. The meeting also focused on establishing specialized training centers to qualify cadres in operating and maintaining medical devices and after-sales services. Additionally, the talks covered cooperation in digital transformation and developing a plan for gradual expansion towards comprehensive health coverage.
Abdel Ghaffar also met with Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers, to discuss enhancing their strategic partnership in healthcare technology and developing infrastructure. The meeting, attended by Amr Qandeel, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers in Egypt, and Zia El-Shenawy, Head of Sales for Diagnostic Imaging and Advanced Therapies, covered topics such as supporting national cancer programs and developing early detection and diagnosis technologies.
The minister and Montag discussed updating diagnostic imaging infrastructure and expanding digital health applications and artificial intelligence to support diagnosis and medical decision-making. They also explored opportunities for training and capacity building through Siemens Healthineers' educational center in Egypt and simulation laboratory in Ismailia. Furthermore, they touched on enhancing the sustainability of medical technology through device rehabilitation and developing a maintenance system.
Abdel Ghaffar also met with Professor Hayo Kroemer, CEO of Charité University Hospital in Berlin, to discuss expanding cooperation in training Egyptian medical staff and organizing fellowship programs. The meeting, a follow-up to the minister's visit to Berlin in 2025, covered potential collaborations in research and clinical projects, particularly in oncology and chronic diseases.
During the meeting with Kroemer, the two sides reviewed Egypt's experience in developing its healthcare system and the successes of presidential initiatives in public health. They explored opportunities for cooperation in population health research and evaluating large-scale programs and interventions. The minister emphasized his ministry's commitment to expanding international partnerships with leading medical institutions.
The meetings demonstrate Egypt's efforts to strengthen its healthcare system through international collaborations and investments. Key areas of focus include digital transformation, capacity building, and enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities. These partnerships aim to improve healthcare services and solidify Egypt's position as a regional hub in the healthcare sector.
Key points
- Egypt's Health Minister met with global medical leaders to discuss cooperation and investment opportunities in the healthcare sector.
- The meetings covered topics such as digital transformation, capacity building, and enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
- Egypt aims to strengthen its healthcare system through international collaborations and investments.
