In his address at the Annual Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA) Forum, held in the New Administrative Capital, Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly stressed that the implementation of comprehensive health coverage is not only a national dream but a pivotal vision of leadership, government will, and nationwide participation.
Opening his speech, Dr. Madbouly expressed his delight in attending the forum, recognizing the efforts of the government to offer integrated healthcare services in alignment with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s mandate to launch the Comprehensive Health Insurance System in November 2019. The initiative is driven by the political leadership’s firm belief that every Egyptian citizen has the right to high-quality healthcare, ensuring health justice and sustainability as one of the most critical rights of the nation’s people.
Dr. Madbouly described the implementation of the comprehensive health insurance system as a transformational shift in healthcare, aligned with international human rights standards. He emphasized that the state has allocated significant financial and human resources to this ambitious reform, positioning it as Egypt’s largest structural project for health system development. The goal is to create a roadmap to universal health coverage through a solidarity-based, social insurance model that guarantees health and social justice, providing access to healthcare for all segments of society without discrimination. The government will cover the costs for the most vulnerable groups.
The Prime Minister further underscored that providing healthcare is not a luxury but an essential right for every citizen. In line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the government’s focus on health is integral to achieving real development, which can only be realized through citizens who live healthy, dignified lives.
“We have spared no effort or resources in implementing the universal health coverage system,” said Dr. Madbouly, stressing that investing in health is an investment in the future of the Egyptian people and upcoming generations.
Dr. Madbouly provided key statistics regarding the system’s first phase, noting that the development and enhancement of healthcare facilities in the initial six governorates cost more than 51 billion EGP, covering health services for six million citizens out of Egypt’s total population of 107 million. This spending demonstrates the scale of the investments required for future phases of the system, with an estimated 115 billion EGP set aside for the second phase, covering additional governorates.
Looking ahead, Dr. Madbouly emphasized that Egypt is entering a new phase of implementation with the second stage of the health insurance system. This phase, he explained, represents a crucial step toward expanding coverage and accelerating execution, ensuring that the healthcare infrastructure is ready. The second phase will involve major population centers, leading to more efficient, sustainable healthcare services through ambitious plans for hospital upgrades, training medical personnel, and enhancing coordination across all service levels.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the second phase will require further collaboration, integration, and effective partnerships between the public and private sectors. After the successes of the first phase, Egypt is now preparing for the inclusion of new governorates, including Damietta, Matrouh, Kafr El-Sheikh, Minya, and North Sinai. Additionally, there will be a study to include a major governorate that relies heavily on university hospitals, private sector partnerships, and civil society involvement.
Dr. Madbouly closed his remarks by reiterating that the universal health coverage project represents “a national dream, a leadership vision, a government will, and the participation of an entire society.” He acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, including financing, infrastructure, and sustainability. However, he expressed confidence in Egypt’s political will, clear strategic plans, and fruitful partnerships with the private sector, all of which will transform these challenges into growth opportunities.
In conclusion, Dr. Madbouly stressed that the success of this system depends on the collaborative efforts of the state, private sector, and healthcare institutions. He called on everyone to contribute to this national journey, offering their ideas, investments, and expertise to build a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system. With shared determination and hard work, he concluded, Egypt will turn this dream into reality and make universal health coverage a model for the region and beyond.
In his opening speech, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the importance of encouraging investments in the healthcare sector, a critical need driven by challenges such as Egypt’s population growth, which exceeds 2 million births annually. He pointed out that the number of healthcare beds in Egypt still lags behind global standards, with 12 beds per 10,000 citizens in Egypt compared to the global norm of 28 beds per 10,000. This gap signifies the necessity for further investment in the health sector to meet the growing demand.
On the other hand, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar also elaborated on Egypt’s national health projects, noting that in the past decade, the country had completed 1,300 healthcare projects, including 20 projects in 2024 alone, with a budget exceeding 35 billion EGP across 11 governorates. He emphasized the role of the private sector and civil society in supporting these investments, alongside legislative reforms such as the law allowing the private sector to engage in the establishment and operation of health facilities.
Additionally, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar stressed that the Egyptian government’s support for collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to achieve the goal of comprehensive health coverage, which cannot be solely funded through the national budget. The new health insurance system, which differs significantly from the one established in the 1960s, offers equitable coverage for all family members.
Dr. Awad Tag Eddin, Presidential Advisor for Health and Preventative Affairs, reinforced the importance of public-private partnerships in optimizing primary healthcare services to ensure the best possible health services for citizens, especially in remote and underserved areas. He further emphasized the need for investments to expand the capacity of healthcare facilities, both new and existing, as Egypt continues to build on its healthcare achievements.
In this regard, Dr. Ihab Abu Aish, Vice Chairman of the General Authority for Comprehensive Health Insurance, concluded by celebrating the tangible progress Egypt has made in the healthcare sector over the past few years, culminating in the launch of the new, more inclusive and sustainable health insurance system. He recognized the need to maximize the benefits of partnerships between the public and private sectors, especially given the global challenges and changing circumstances.
