Egypt approves AstraZeneca’s grant offer to establish field hospital during COP27

Ahram Online , Wednesday 28 Sep 2022

The Egyptian government approved on Wednesday a grant presented by AstraZeneca pharmaceutical and biotechnology company to establish a field hospital during the 27th session of the United Nations Conference on Climate Conference (COP27), which will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh in November.

An Egyptian medical worker administers a dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield) on March 4, 2021, in Cairo on the first day of vaccination in Egypt. AFP

According to the Cabinet’s statement, the government approved during its weekly meeting a request submitted by the Ministry of Health to approve a grant presented by AstraZeneca company to the General Healthcare Authority to establish a small field hospital at COP27, which is set to be held on 6-18 November.

During a cabinet meeting earlier this month, Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar shared details about the COP27 safety plan, which includes operating fixed and mobile clinics at quarantine facilities at airports, hotels that will host guest delegations, and conference halls.

The health safety plan also includes mobilising ambulances equipped with intensive care units to provide emergency medical services, the minister added.

Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital will be ready to deal with any cases that require medical attention immediately, according to the minister.

About 35,000 people from around the world have registered on the UN website for COP27, putting the upcoming climate conference on track to becoming one of the most attended COPs, according to a recent report by the Egyptian Earth's Climate for Sustainable Development Foundation.