Egypt will face a huge shortfall in medical supplies in a matter of months, says Ashraf Hatem, minister of health and housing.
Hatem says that the country's stored supplies of medication for heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure and other chronic conditions is dwindling. He went on to say that this alarming situation will lead to fewer operations being performed for severe illnesses.
The shortage, the minister explained, is due to the wave of protests and strikes in Egypt, preventing pharmaceutical companies from manufacturing the affected medication and equipment.
The minister urged employees in both national and international companies in the health sector to "immediately return" to work. He also advised them to submit their grievances to the high committee in the ministry which was created to receive complaints and demands from the employees. He assured them that their demands will be met within a month.
Hatem added that some of the international companies have partially returned to work.
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