The fourth edition of the Egyptian Women’s Summit continued on its second day with a high-profile session titled “Digitizing Inclusive Healthcare,” highlighting the country’s ambitious initiatives to leverage digital transformation in healthcare. Hosted under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the session showcased how technology can enhance access to medical services, empower youth, and improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.
The session, moderated by Dina Abdel Fattah, Founder of the Fifty Most Influential Women Forum, featured Hoda Dahroug, Advisor to the Minister for Digital Community Development. Dahroug outlined strategies to integrate cutting-edge technologies into Egypt’s healthcare ecosystem while fostering youth participation in the digital economy.
Strategic Vision for Digital Health and Youth Empowerment
Dahroug emphasized that Egypt’s ICT 2030 Strategy prioritizes building human capital by equipping young professionals with digital skills and offering free training programs and grants for youth across all governorates. “Building qualified human resources is at the core of our strategy, as technology alone cannot drive sustainable development without capable individuals to harness it,” she noted.
The initiative aims to create a digitally proficient workforce capable of transforming the healthcare sector while simultaneously contributing to national economic growth. Programs under this strategy provide practical exposure and skill development for youth, opening new avenues for innovation in health technology.
Expanding Access Through Telemedicine
A major highlight of the session was Egypt’s telemedicine initiative, designed to provide remote consultations for patients in underserved regions. Starting in Siwa in 2008 and later expanding to Nubia, the program now encompasses 300 healthcare units across 27 governorates. It has facilitated access to specialized care for over 300,000 patients, connecting local facilities with Cairo-based specialists.
“The initiative demonstrates how technology can bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas,” Dahroug explained, emphasizing its critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic and in treating urgent cases while enhancing the skills of local healthcare providers.
Technology as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Beyond healthcare, Dahroug highlighted the broader role of digital technologies in Egypt’s economy. By integrating ICT solutions, the government aims to support innovation, increase productivity, and encourage youth-led entrepreneurship. Special attention is given to women’s participation, reflecting the Summit’s core mission of inclusive development.
The Egyptian Ministry of Communications continues to partner with educational institutions and government agencies to create a thriving ecosystem that aligns technology with social impact. Key programs include “Generations of Digital Egypt,” providing training, mentorship, and certification to prepare young talent for the digital workforce.
Long-Term Impact and Opportunities
The session underscored the importance of digital literacy, STEM education, and AI integration as essential tools for the next generation of professionals. By empowering youth to engage with technology and healthcare innovation, Egypt aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable growth and transforming public services.
The Summit’s focus on skills for the future, digital health, and inclusive growth signals Egypt’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem where innovation, technology, and human capital converge to create transformative opportunities for all citizens.
