Ministry of Health Launches Training for Patient Engagement Officers

The Ministry of Health and Population launched the first training programme for Patient Engagement Officers in Egypt in cooperation with the World Health Organization, as part of efforts to strengthen patient safety and improve the quality of health services provided to citizens. The initiative is framed around positioning the patient as a partner in care by enhancing participation in treatment decisions and the overall experience within medical facilities. The first phase targeted the Canal governorates and North Sinai, with 25 trainees forming the first accredited cohort of Patient Engagement Officers who will lead implementation in their institutions. Training covered community engagement in patient safety, establishing patient and family advisory councils in hospitals, and support for the most in-need groups, alongside a review of the main objectives of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030. The programme is the start of a series of training courses planned across governorates to spread a patient safety culture and to enhance the capabilities of healthcare staff to engage citizens as active partners in the healthcare system.