Dr. Rania El Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, spoke at the Annual Forum of the Health Insurance Authority under the theme “Sustainable Universal Health Coverage for All,” held under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Health and Population Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar. The forum also saw the participation of various ministers, health insurance officials, development partners, and representatives from the private sector.
Promoting Universal Healthcare for All Citizens
During the second session of the forum, which focused on “Enhancing Partnerships and Contracts with the Private Sector to Deliver High-Quality Healthcare Services,” Dr. El Mashat emphasized that the comprehensive health insurance project is a cornerstone of Egypt’s efforts to improve healthcare services, particularly for lower-income citizens. This initiative, she noted, aims to enhance the quality of healthcare across Egypt, supported by an advanced electronic system for the application of universal health coverage in hospitals and medical centers across the targeted governorates of Port Said, Damietta, Ismailia, and Luxor.
The Need for Strong Health Sector Investments
Dr. El Mashat reflected on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the urgent need for robust investments in the healthcare sector. She stressed that Egypt’s greatest asset is its people, with human resources being the driving force behind economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The comprehensive health insurance system, she added, is not just a public service but a driver of productivity, innovation, and national competitiveness. She highlighted the economic opportunities it creates, particularly for private sector involvement in the growth of the healthcare sector.
Strategic Partnerships and International Support
The Minister also underscored Egypt’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with international development partners to support the country’s national priorities outlined in Vision 2030. She emphasized that improving quality of life and enhancing economic growth are central goals of Egypt’s development agenda.
Dr. El Mashat detailed the Ministry of Planning’s efforts to leverage collective strategies to develop partnerships with international institutions, notably the World Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the French Development Agency (AFD), to finance the healthcare system transformation.
She noted that achieving the ambitious goals of Egypt’s health insurance program requires strong partnerships and strategic investments, with the private sector playing a pivotal role in this transformative journey. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is already working on key projects that enhance private sector participation in Egypt’s healthcare sector.
A Key Component of Egypt’s Vision 2030
The comprehensive health insurance system is integral to Egypt’s Vision 2030 and sustainable economic development efforts. Dr. El Mashat emphasized that investing in human capital is essential for leading many initiatives aimed at achieving inclusive economic growth. The project is supported by development partners and strengthens Egypt’s ability to provide equitable and humane health coverage for all citizens while fostering collaboration with the private sector.
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development continues to work closely with the World Bank and the IFC, focusing on sector-specific investments, particularly in healthcare, and on private sector engagement to enhance the sector’s impact. Dr. El Mashat stressed that the private sector is eager to collaborate with the Egyptian government to achieve these objectives.
On the other hand, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has launched a new digital platform to improve communication with Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS) beneficiaries, advancing digital transformation in healthcare sector.
Unveiled at the Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA) Forum on February 9, the platform allows users to book, reschedule, and cancel appointments, access medical records, check test results, and review prescriptions.
