Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, chaired a discussion session entitled “A roadmap to increase the participation of the private sector in the health system”, with the participation of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, as part of the Egyptian Economic Conference 2022.
The session aimed to develop a clear and systematic road map to increase the participation of the private sector in the health sector, within the framework of the state’s direction towards unleashing the capabilities of the private sector to build effective health systems capable of withstanding in the face of health crises and disasters.
During the session, the minister gave a detailed presentation on the health sector in Egypt, and its capabilities and material and human resources, as the system includes about 2,700 hospitals, whether affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population, university hospitals, civil society hospitals, as well as hospitals affiliated with military institutions.
Abdel Ghaffar reviewed the health map of Egypt, which is implemented by the ministry and includes a study of the health situation in each governorate and the medical facilities it contains represented in hospitals, units and medical centres and to determine the capabilities of each facility, to determine the needs to be met.
He also explained the importance of health maps to develop integrated visions of the health system in each governorate, through which investment opportunities are well-directed to fill the gaps.
The minister further discussed with representatives of bodies and authorities concerned with the health sector a number of axes and proposals aimed at increasing investments in the health sector, most notably supporting the localization of the pharmaceutical industry and raw materials, the role of the private sector as a partner with the government sector in providing medical services to patients, and the necessary procedures and facilities to attract investors.
Moreover, Abdel Ghaffar stressed the importance of the private sector as a key partner in drawing the health map in Egypt, noting that Egypt has a clear vision for health services, noting that the partnership with the private sector includes the continuity of providing services to citizens for free, whether at the state’s expense or health insurance, and not compromising free services for the low-income segments.
The minister pointed out the importance of governance, facilitating procedures, and creating attractive factors for the benefit of investors, which contribute to attracting investments to the health sector in accordance with the controls.
