The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Banque Misr have contributed EGP 60m to Egypt’s healthcare sector as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
It comes within the two banks’ cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Health to support the country’s health sector.
Minister of Health Hala Zayed stressed the importance of the solidarity between all state institutions, which contribute greatly to Egypt’s ability to overcome the current pandemic. It is also critical to reducing the crisis’ effects and consequences on all levels.
Zayed praised the vital role the NBE and Banque Misr have played during the crisis, and the collaboration and concerted efforts of all government institutions and civil organisations to support the country’s health sector requirements.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson Khaled Mogahed said the protocol’s value will be allocated to purchasing a number of CT scan equipment for hospitals designated to receive confirmed and suspected coronavirus cases.
Hisham Okasha, Chairperson of NBE, emphasised that his bank is keen on continuing to provide support to help state agencies reduce the virus’ spread and mitigate its effects. The NBE vows to continue its support of Egypt’s healthcare professionals as they work to combat the virus and protect the citizens.
Okasha stressed that the bank has contributed EGP 800m since the start of the pandemic in Egypt. This contribution, which is part of the EGP 8bn the bank has provided in the last six years as part of its CSR, has been directed towards providing healthcare and supporting various groups affected by the crisis.
Mohamed El-Etreby, President of the Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB) and Chairperson of Banque Misr, said that his bank has always been keen on playing a pivotal role in the CSR field.
The bank is also keen on supporting state efforts in all areas of sustainable development, especially in the health and education sectors, which the state is working to improve.
El-Etreby explained that the bank has contributed over EGP 600m since the coronavirus start. The bank’s total CSR contributions during fiscal year 2019/20 reached about EGP 1.4bn, and over EGP 3.2bn in the past five years.
