Universal Health Insurance Expands With EGP 115 Billion

At the annual forum of the Universal Health Insurance Authority in the New Administrative Capital, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare. Over EGP 51 billion has been invested in upgrading healthcare facilities across six governorates, benefiting six million citizens.

The Universal Health Insurance system, launched experimentally in Port Said in 2018 and later expanded to Luxor, Ismailia, South Sinai, Suez and Aswan, is now entering its second phase. With EGP 115 billion allocated, this phase will cover the governorates of Damietta, Marsa Matrouh, Kafr El-Sheikh, North Sinai and Minya. Investments will focus on upgrading healthcare infrastructure, digital transformation, and service integration to enhance medical access.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar emphasised the growing role of the private sector in healthcare. The share of private hospital beds increased from 21% in 2011 to 29.3% in 2022, reflecting increased investment and confidence in private healthcare services. The private sector also holds an 82% share in Egypt’s pharmaceutical market.

The forum also recognised Egypt’s healthcare achievements, with the World Bank reporting that Egypt has seen progress in reducing birth and mortality rates and increasing life expectancy. The country has also received WHO Gold Certification for eliminating hepatitis C.

The Universal Health Insurance Authority has set a target of achieving full health insurance coverage for all citizens by 2030. The government has secured financing from international institutions, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the World Health Organization, with a USD 1 billion facility supporting this initiative.