Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population has reported that more than 60.4 million medical visits by women have been recorded under the Presidential Initiative to Support Women’s Health since its launch in July 2019. The initiative, launched under the directive of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, aims to transform the landscape of women’s healthcare in Egypt by offering free screening, diagnostic services, and public health education across the nation.
According to a formal statement issued by the ministry, the total figure comprises over 22.7 million first-time visits, nearly 24.9 million follow-up consultations, and approximately 12.8 million unscheduled or symptomatic visits. These figures reflect a comprehensive approach to patient engagement, where women are not only entering the healthcare system but also remaining under continuous observation and care.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, highlighted the significance of early diagnosis in mitigating the effects of chronic and life-threatening illnesses, particularly breast cancer. He emphasized that early detection allows for more effective treatment outcomes and minimizes the financial and emotional burden on both the patients and the healthcare infrastructure. The initiative, he noted, offers its services entirely free of charge and adheres to globally recognized medical protocols for screening and treatment.
The program has facilitated the access of more than 823,000 women to advanced diagnostic procedures through Egypt’s public hospitals. These services are delivered through an extensive network of 3,663 local health units distributed across all governorates, complemented by 102 hospitals that are equipped to perform in-depth evaluations for women requiring specialized care. Public inquiries and appointment coordination are supported by the “100 Million Health” campaign hotline, available through the national call center at 15335.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar also revealed that the initiative operates in alignment with international protocols for breast cancer treatment, applied through 14 oncology centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health. An additional 14 university-affiliated centers under the Supreme Council of University Hospitals also provide care at no cost to patients. These facilities are currently being equipped to serve as advanced research institutions dedicated to oncological studies, in accordance with the national strategy to integrate applied research into the public health system.
The initiative is designed to be inclusive, targeting all Egyptian women aged 18 and above. It offers comprehensive health assessments that cover non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In addition to blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, women receive evaluations for weight, height, and body mass index, which help determine obesity levels and metabolic risk. Furthermore, the program provides extensive counseling on reproductive health, family planning, and lifestyle factors associated with the onset of chronic diseases.
In terms of measurable outcomes, Dr. Hatem Amin, Executive Director of the initiative, announced that over 33,500 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer since 2019. The program has conducted more than 446,000 mammograms and collected over 51,000 tumor samples for histological analysis. Confirmed cases are provided with full treatment, free of charge, through state-funded healthcare mechanisms, whether via national insurance or the state-subsidized treatment system.
Mobile healthcare units have also played a significant role in reaching women in underserved or remote areas. More than 137,000 women have been examined in mobile clinics, with nearly 56,000 receiving on-site mammograms. This decentralized model ensures that women, regardless of their geographic or socioeconomic status, have equitable access to critical diagnostic tools.
Efforts to build healthcare capacity continue as part of the initiative’s broader mission. The program has invested in the training and development of medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and radiology technicians. Between November 2021 and June 2025, the initiative’s support hotline received over 29,000 calls, reflecting growing public awareness and trust in the system.
