Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty lauded
the close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Population, underlining
the importance of integrating diplomatic and development efforts.
Abdelatty met with
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel
Ghaffar, as part of a series of briefings for diplomats nominated to serve at
Egyptian embassies and missions abroad.
The discussions
touched on the role Egyptian diplomatic missions can play in supporting the
objectives of the Ministry of Health and Population, particularly in fostering
international cooperation and partnerships, facilitating the transfer of
expertise, and attracting foreign medical investments.
The talks focused on
bolstering the pharmaceutical industry, given the international accreditations
earned by the Egyptian Drug Authority, which enhance Egypt’s position as a
regional hub for pharmaceuticals and open access to markets in Africa, Central Asia,
and parts of Europe.
For his part, Abdel
Ghaffar highlighted the capabilities of Egypt’s healthcare sector and outlined
the health ministry’s priorities in international cooperation.
Moreover, he pointed to the
state’s efforts to develop the healthcare system and expand presidential public
health initiatives, which have significantly improved Egypt’s health
indicators, most notably in eliminating hepatitis C and malaria, efforts that
have won broad international praise.
Abdel Ghaffar also
reviewed various frameworks of cooperation between the health ministry and
regional and international health organizations.
The minister of
health stressed that Egypt’s healthcare system is anchored by an extensive
infrastructure network covering all governorates, alongside a marked increase
in government spending on the sector, reflecting the state’s commitment to
enhancing and expanding healthcare services.
Minister Abdel
Ghaffar further noted the government’s focus on developing the health insurance
system as a national priority, through the Universal Health Insurance project
launched in 2019 and being gradually rolled out nationwide.
The minister
outlined opportunities for collaboration with friendly countries and
international organizations to support this ambitious project, including
through knowledge transfer and the provision of technical and financial
assistance.
Source: Egypt
Independent