Egypt’s General Authority for Health Insurance (GAHI) has signed agreements with two prominent hospitals—Ahl Misr Hospital for Burns Treatment and El-Zohairy Hospital, a multidisciplinary medical facility. These new partnerships will provide essential medical services to beneficiaries of Egypt’s health insurance system, further strengthening the network of healthcare providers and enhancing the reach of comprehensive medical coverage across the country.
The agreements, which were signed in the presence of key figures from both the healthcare facilities and the GAHI, mark another milestone in the government’s efforts to ensure quality healthcare for all citizens. The move is part of a broader initiative to increase the number of contracted healthcare providers, particularly in regions where the universal health insurance system is actively being rolled out.
Key Figures Attend the Signing Ceremony
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Hiba El-Sweidy, founder and chairwoman of the Ahl Misr Foundation, along with Dr. Refaat Abdel-Maksoud, the hospital’s executive director. Representatives from El-Zohairy Hospital, including Dr. Samir El-Shahid, Chairman of Genesis Healthcare and Therapeutic Tourism Company, and Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed, Company Consultant, were also present.
On behalf of GAHI, Dr. Ihab Abu Eish, Deputy Chairman of the Authority, and Ms. Mai Farid, Executive Director, played key roles in formalizing the agreement.
Expanding the Health Network
The General Authority for Health Insurance has made it a priority to expand its network of healthcare providers to ensure that all Egyptians have access to quality medical care. As of today, the network comprises 448 healthcare providers, with the private sector accounting for 27.5% of the total contracted medical institutions. This diverse network includes a range of providers—from specialized hospitals like Ahl Misr, which focuses on burns treatment, to general hospitals and primary care centers.
Dr. Ihab Abu Eish, Deputy Chairman of GAHI, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening Egypt’s healthcare system, saying, “The involvement of both the private sector and civil society organizations is essential for supporting the comprehensive health insurance system. This collaboration ensures that all Egyptians, regardless of their location or economic status, have access to quality healthcare services.”
Private Sector’s Vital Role in Primary Care
The Executive Director of GAHI, Mai Farid, emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in ensuring that Egypt’s healthcare system remains sustainable and accessible. She explained, “We are focused on expanding our network to include more private and non-governmental organizations, which will help us achieve the goal of universal healthcare coverage for every citizen.”
As part of this effort, Dr. Heba Atef, Head of the Central Administration for Healthcare Providers at GAHI, acknowledged the critical role played by private healthcare providers in delivering primary care services—often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention. “Primary healthcare is the cornerstone of any comprehensive health system, and our partnership with private hospitals like Ahl Misr and El-Zohairy will help enhance the quality and availability of primary care services.”
Specialized Care for Burns Patients
Ahl Misr Hospital, which is renowned for its expertise in burns treatment, will provide specialized care for burn victims, addressing a pressing need in Egypt’s healthcare landscape. With its multi-disciplinary approach, Ahl Misr offers not only medical treatment but also psychological support for burn patients—an aspect that is often overlooked in traditional medical care but is crucial for the recovery and rehabilitation of burn victims.
In Egypt, burn injuries—whether from domestic accidents, industrial incidents, or road traffic accidents—can have devastating consequences. The collaboration with Ahl Misr ensures that those requiring specialized care for burn injuries have access to the advanced treatment they need under the comprehensive health insurance system.
Expanding Multidisciplinary Care at El-Zohairy Hospital
El-Zohairy Hospital, known for its wide range of specialized services, will further broaden the scope of treatment options available to insured individuals, reinforcing the authority’s commitment to offering holistic care. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach—spanning various fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, and gynecology—ensures that patients receive comprehensive and specialized care in one location.
Universal Health Coverage
The agreement reflects Egypt’s continued commitment to the Universal Health Insurance System, will offer all Egyptians equitable access to quality healthcare services, including treatment, preventive care, and rehabilitation. Dr. El-Sweidy, the founder of Ahl Misr Foundation, remarked, “We are proud to be part of this transformative effort. Our hospital has always focused on providing critical care to the most vulnerable segments of society, and through this partnership, we can now expand our services to reach more patients under the national health insurance umbrella.”
The next phase of expansion will see further integration of private and community-based healthcare facilities into the system, ensuring that more Egyptians, especially in rural and underserved areas, can benefit from the system’s comprehensive coverage.
