In a high-level coordination meeting that underscores Egypt’s commitment to sustainable human development and healthcare reform, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, met with Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, to assess progress in public investment across health projects and strategic programs.
The discussions focused on enhancing the efficiency of public health expenditure, accelerating the completion of national healthcare projects, and aligning healthcare development with Egypt’s broader human capital strategy.
Strategic Focus on Human Development
“Health is at the core of Egypt’s human development strategy,” said Dr. Abdel Ghaffar. “Our vision is to translate financial investments into measurable improvements in service quality, infrastructure, and health outcomes.”
During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed the Ministry of Health’s comprehensive programs spanning the period from 2024 to 2027. These programs include the expansion of primary healthcare services, early detection initiatives, mental health care, maternal and child health programs, preventive medicine, as well as initiatives to ensure the provision of essential medications and medical supplies. They also examined the ministry’s efforts in medical education and professional training, in addition to tracking how investment allocations have evolved over the last seven years.
A National Pipeline of Healthcare Infrastructure Projects
A significant portion of the discussion centered around the investment plan for the fiscal year 2025–2026, with a particular focus on active and upcoming healthcare infrastructure projects across the country. Currently, the Ministry of Health is overseeing 348 national projects in 27 governorates, with a total investment estimated at EGP 113.11 billion.
Of these, 20 major projects are expected to be completed in 2025, spanning 11 governorates, and will collectively provide 2,649 new hospital beds at a cost of EGP 11.7 billion. Among the strategic initiatives is the construction of 10 model hospitals, each designed with a capacity of 200 beds and equipped with modern medical technology and integrated service models.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the importance of expanding mental health facilities as a national priority, stating that the Ministry is fully prepared to provide the resources and support required to ensure timely delivery of these crucial projects.
Digital Transformation and Investment in Innovation
The meeting also addressed Egypt’s ongoing digital transformation in the health sector. Ministers reviewed the current progress in automating hospitals, health units, and medical centers across the country. Dr. Abdel Ghaffar presented detailed reports on the Ministry’s collaboration with international development partners on several national healthcare projects, which are supported through both technical assistance and concessional financing.
He also shared key outcomes and statistical insights from the second edition of the Global Conference on Population, Health, and Development, and discussed ongoing preparations for the third edition of the conference in 2025, which will take place under the theme: “Empowering People, Advancing Progress, and Creating Opportunities.”
Strong Financial Commitment and Budget Growth
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reaffirmed that investing in human capital—particularly in the health sector—remains a top priority for the Egyptian state. She explained that this focus is rooted in the recognition that a robust health system enhances national productivity, improves the quality of life for citizens, and advances the principles of social justice.
She noted that approximately 47% of government investments in the current economic and social development plan are directed toward human and social development sectors. Of this, EGP 20 billion is specifically allocated to expanding universal health insurance coverage, which plays a pivotal role in improving access to healthcare services and integrating private sector capacity into the national system.
Al-Mashat added that public investments in human development are set to reach EGP 327 billion in FY 2025/2026, a notable increase from EGP 268.7 billion in the previous fiscal year—representing an annual growth rate of 21.7%. She also highlighted that the Ministry of Health’s own investment allocations from the state treasury rose sharply to EGP 53.5 billion, up from EGP 28.5 billion, an increase of 87.7%, signaling the government’s strong commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide.
Monitoring Progress Through Data and Performance-Based Planning
As Egypt shifts toward a performance-based investment approach, Dr. Al-Mashat outlined preparations for the country’s new medium-term development plan, which will serve as the executive framework of Egypt’s national development narrative. The plan will be implemented using a “programs and performance” methodology, with progress monitored through “Adaa’”, Egypt’s first integrated digital platform for evaluating government performance based on defined impact indicators.
She emphasized the importance of prioritizing healthcare investments according to this results-based methodology, in order to achieve Egypt’s strategic goals in human development. This includes expanding coverage of mental health services and blood transfusion systems across all governorates, as well as ensuring geographic equity in hospital bed distribution and service access.
International Partnerships and Diversified Health Financing
In addition, Dr. Al-Mashat discussed the vital role of international partnerships in supporting healthcare development. Many projects within the health sector have been implemented in collaboration with global development partners, who have provided both technical expertise and concessional financing—particularly to advance Egypt’s universal health insurance initiative.
She also underscored the importance of Egypt’s Integrated National Financing Strategy, which is designed to diversify both domestic and international funding sources to align with strategic priorities in the health sector and beyond.
Attending Officials and Strategic Oversight
The meeting was attended by senior figures from both ministries and the healthcare sector, including Dr. Abla El-Alfi, Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development; Dr. Ehab Abou Aish, Deputy Head of the Universal Health Insurance Authority; Ms. Mai Farid, Executive Director of the Universal Health Insurance Project; and several senior assistants to the Health Minister, including those overseeing therapeutic medicine, digital transformation, national projects, and strategic planning.
The presence of these officials reflected the multisectoral nature of Egypt’s healthcare development approach and the government’s intention to ensure comprehensive oversight and accountability in the implementation of healthcare reform.
Toward a Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare Future
This strategic dialogue between Egypt’s top health and planning leaders underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready healthcare system. By focusing on investment, performance, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships, Egypt is paving the way for improved health outcomes, greater equity, and long-term social and economic progress.
