Health: Private Hospitals Charging During Emergencies Face Closure

Egypt’s Ministry of Health announced today, September 2nd, that any private hospital demanding payment for emergency treatment will face immediate closure, with responsible staff in public hospitals referred to investigation.

In the statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar reaffirmed that “every citizen has the right to immediate and free treatment in emergency cases without any financial conditions or obstacles.”

The ministry stressed its commitment to enforcing Prime Ministerial Decree No. 1063 of 2014, which guarantees citizens free emergency treatment for the first 48 hours in all hospitals, public or private, at the state’s expense.

Dr. Abdel Ghaffar urged citizens to report violations by calling the ministry’s hotline (105), adding that “requesting payment for emergency care is a blatant violation of citizens’ legal rights.” He confirmed that penalties include immediate closure of non-compliant private hospitals and disciplinary measures against offenders in public facilities.