Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS) announced on Sunday plans to establish a huge medical centre in Suez, one of the scheme's first phase governorates, at a total cost of EGP 3 billion (nearly $192 million).

The complex is set to be a world-class facility in terms of quality of medical services to citizens within the new comprehensive health insurance in the governorate, the health insurance project authority said in a statement.

The Suez Medical Complex reflects the new system's keenness on offering further distinguished health services in the Delta province in general and in Suez in particular, the statement added.

The complex includes the departments of internal medicine; paediatrics; gynaecology and obstetrics; neonatal; psychological and neurological diseases; oncology; vascular diseases; dermatology; ear, nose, and throat; nutrition; gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases; women's health; oncology surgery; pediatric oncology; haematology; rheumatology; and rehabilitation.

It also includes cardiovascular diseases, intensive care, chemotherapy, and endoscopy, in addition to burns and physiotherapy units, radiology, and surgery, the statement added.

The six-phase healthcare scheme is scheduled to go into effect in all governorates by 2027.

Governorates with the lowest-income citizens have been given priority in the programme’s schedule, with the capital, Cairo, relegated to the final phase.

The first phase includes Port Said, Ismailiya, Suez, South Sinai, Luxor, and Aswan.

The second phase of the scheme will include Matrouh, the Red Sea, and Qena governorates.

The third phase will cover Alexandria, Beheira, Damietta, Sohag, and Kafr El-Sheikh.

The fourth will cover Beni Sueif, Assiut, Minya, the New Valley, and Fayoum.

The fifth phase covers Daqahliya, Sharqiya, Gharbiya, and Menoufiya.

The last phase will cover Cairo, Giza, and Qalioubiya.