Mostafa Ibrahim, assistant minister of health, stated on Monday that the number of doctors participating in an ongoing strike had not exceeded more than 10 to 15 per cent in all public medical facilities, with only 2.4 per cent of doctors in primary care hospitals joining the action.

During a press conference by the Ministry of Health, Ibrahim thanked all doctors who had refused to take part in the strike, "and who chose the good of patients and the country over their own."

"This strike is negatively affecting the poor patients who come to public hospitals in search for free treatments," added Ibrahim, who urged patients to continue to go to hospitals, given the limited effects of the strike.

Mona Mina, a leading member of doctors' rights group 'Doctors Without Rights' told Ahram Online during a press conference held on Monday that the strike is reaching over 90 per cent of non-emergency doctors in some governorates in Egypt. Mina also added that some doctors have received threats by their managers not to join the strikes.

In addition, Egypt's Doctors' Syndicate stated that more than 70 per cent of doctors had participated in the strike in 10 governorates in Egypt.

Monday was the first day of a partial strike initiated by Egypt's doctors to demand an increase in the portion of the state budget apportioned to healthcare to 15 per cent, and that Egypt would abide by international agreements and better its health system.

The partial strike excludes emergency treatment and critical health services.