Hapi_ Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, affirmed the alignment of population dynamics with sustainable development goals, the National Population Strategy, and the Digital Health Strategy, in order to implement the national health agenda whose objectives are derived from Egypt's Vision 2030.
This came during his participation in the expanded event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt under the title "The Future of Healthcare in Egypt," in the presence of a number of leaders from the healthcare sector and the pharmaceutical industry.
The Minister explained that the National Health Strategy for the period from 2024 to 2030 was prepared over the course of 18 months, with the participation of approximately 50 local and international organizations. It is based on a 6-year roadmap and includes 7 strategic priorities subject to annual monitoring through 692 benchmark indicators.
He pointed out that the comprehensive health insurance project represents the cornerstone of health sector reform, explaining that the first phase successfully covered 5.4 million citizens and provided more than 116 million health services, with the active participation of the private sector.
He added that the Ministry is preparing to launch the second phase from Minya Governorate, targeting 7 million citizens, with subsequent phases to include the governorates of Kafr El-Sheikh, North Sinai, Matrouh, Damietta, and Alexandria.
He noted the state's success in reducing the proportion of citizens' out-of-pocket health spending from 62.6% to 57.2%, with a target of reaching 28% by 2030.
The Minister reviewed the key milestones achieved by Egypt in combating diseases, pointing to the renewal of the World Health Organization's international certification for eliminating Hepatitis C, Egypt's declaration as free of malaria and trachoma, the control of Hepatitis B, and the preservation of the country's polio-free status.
Regarding the pharmaceutical sector, he revealed that the Egyptian pharmaceutical market consumes approximately 4 billion packs annually, with a total value reaching around EGP 422 billion. He noted that Egyptian pharmaceutical exports have risen to USD 1.7 billion, with plans to increase them to USD 3 billion during the upcoming period, supported by the Egyptian Drug Authority attaining Maturity Level 3 from the World Health Organization.
The Minister concluded his speech by emphasizing the state's keenness to enhance partnership with the private sector and local and international investors, provide facilities and investment incentive packages, and streamline digital licensing procedures, thereby contributing to the development of hospital infrastructure and the enhancement of the quality of health services provided to citizens.
