There is no doubt that there is dire need for a more effective health insurance system in Egypt capable of providing citizens with high-quality treatment at their outlet of choice. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health and Population has completed the first phase of the new health insurance system by introducing it to Aswan governorate. The official launch reflects the government’s commitment to establishing an inclusive, solidarity-based healthcare system that prioritises citizens’ health.
Ahmed Al-Sobki, chairman of Healthcare Authority and the general supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS), noted that 97 healthcare facilities have been officially launched in Aswan so far, including in eight major hospitals: Aswan Specialised Hospital, Al-Ramad Specialised Hospital, Al-Masalla Specialised Hospital, Abu Simbel International Hospital, Aswan Oncology Centre, Kom Ombo Central Hospital, Daraw Central Hospital, and Nile Specialised Hospital. This is in addition to 89 family medicine centres and health units that are currently providing services.
According to Al-Sobki, the target is to reach 123 healthcare facilities, including 11 hospitals and 121 family medicine centres, as the implementation phases are progressing. “All facilities are being outfitted according to the highest technical and medical standards to ensure safe, high-quality healthcare for all beneficiaries,” stated Al-Sobki.
“The authority’s healthcare network in Aswan delivers services across all levels: primary care such as general consultations and preventive services. Secondary care includes diagnostics, outpatient clinics, and emergency services. In addition to tertiary care, there are complex surgeries and specialised treatments. All medical services provided include comprehensive medical checkups, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, outpatient clinics, emergency response, and high-precision surgical procedures,” Al-Sobki said.
He highlighted that the total investment in infrastructure for healthcare facilities in Aswan exceeds LE9 billion, with an additional LE2.5 billion allocated for medical and non-medical equipment as part of the government’s broader vision to build an integrated, and sustainable healthcare infrastructure that meets global standards.
Al-Sobki stated that the official launching in Aswan was a significant step towards completing the first phase of the UHIS across selected governorates. It reflects the government’s determination to establish a comprehensive and equitable healthcare model, enabling all Upper Egypt citizens to access global standards of medical care without financial hardship.
Al-Sobki revealed that 2.4 million citizens, with operational costs exceeding LE27.5 billion, have registered in the UHIS in Upper Egypt governorates (Luxor and Aswan). More than 27 million medical and therapeutic services have been delivered to beneficiaries across the region through 171 affiliated healthcare facilities. Among them are 24 million services provided in Luxor governorate, the second governorate to implement the UHIS. Three million services were delivered in Aswan. “Nearly 400,000 surgeries and surgical interventions have been performed in Upper Egypt under the authority’s facilities. These include highly complex procedures, many of which were conducted for the first time under the umbrella of the UHIS,” said Al-Sobki.
He added that regardless of the actual cost of the surgery, citizens are required to pay less than LE450. Some procedures performed under the system would otherwise cost over LE1 million outside of insurance coverage.
Al-Sobki affirmed that the authority has made a transformational upgrade of the healthcare infrastructure in Upper Egypt, with the provision of over 1,200 hospital beds across its facilities. These include general inpatient beds, Intensive Care Unit beds, and neonatal incubators, so as to meet the growing healthcare demands of the population and ensure access to highly advanced medical services. “Around 40 per cent of these beds have been allocated to critical care services, such as intensive care and neonatal units,” he said.
According to Al-Sobki, family health centres and units in Upper Egypt have provided more than 17 million family healthcare services to date, through 155 centres and units operating in the participating governorates.
Additionally, over 1.3 million comprehensive medical checkups have been conducted, reinforcing the foundational role of family medicine as the primary point of access to the UHIS, via 150 medical facilities that have been officially accredited in accordance with the standards set by the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation which is internationally recognised by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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