In a moment of gratitude, Maj. Gen. Dr. Ismail Kamal, Governor of Aswan, presented the Key to the City to Sir Dr. Magdi Yacoub, the world-renowned Egyptian-British heart surgeon, in recognition of his exceptional humanitarian mission and groundbreaking contributions to cardiac medicine and research.
The symbolic gesture took place during the Governor’s official visit to the Aswan Heart Center, a pioneering facility founded by Dr. Yacoub that has placed Aswan at the heart of Egypt’s medical excellence and international reputation in healthcare. The visit was also attended by Dr. Mohamed Zakaria, Director of the Center.
In his remarks, Governor Kamal described Dr. Yacoub as a “national treasure and global humanitarian icon,” highlighting the profound impact of the Center’s work not only across Egypt but throughout the Global South. He announced that the Aswan Dam Replacement Axis and Bridge will soon be named after Sir Magdi Yacoub, a move being coordinated with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and the Ministry of Transport, as a lasting tribute to Yacoub’s lifelong dedication to saving lives.
“We are forever indebted to Professor Yacoub, whose selfless commitment and medical breakthroughs have transformed Aswan into a global destination for advanced, free cardiac care and medical tourism,” Governor Kamal said.
Dr. Yacoub expressed his sincere gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the honor belongs to the entire medical team and the community that has enabled the Heart Center to flourish as a beacon of hope and healing. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the Center’s capabilities and outreach.
A Pillar of Medical Excellence
Established by Dr. Yacoub in 2009 under the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, the Aswan Heart Center is a flagship institution in cardiac care, particularly for children and underserved populations. It performs over 4,500 medical interventions annually, including open-heart surgeries and cardiac catheterizations, and examines more than 45,000 patients each year.
The Center comprises 100 patient beds, two state-of-the-art operating rooms fitted with the American Capsule System, specialized intensive care units for children and adults, hotel-grade recovery rooms, and a comprehensive cardiac catheterization unit.
It also houses an internationally acclaimed scientific research and training center, dedicated to preparing a new generation of highly skilled physicians, nurses, and technicians. This model of integrated care and education is one of the few in the Middle East and Africa and serves as a blueprint for scalable healthcare excellence.
Elevating Aswan Through Humanitarian Medicine
Once known primarily for its natural beauty and historical landmarks, Aswan has now become a rising hub for medical tourism, attracting patients from across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond — many of whom receive care completely free of charge.
Governor Kamal reaffirmed the local government’s full support for the Center’s future growth. Plans are underway to develop the surrounding infrastructure, maintain cleanliness along access routes, and enhance facilities to better accommodate visiting patients and families.
