A total of 22,154,398 citizens across the country have been screened under the Presidential Initiative for Screening and Treatment of Chronic Diseases and Early Detection of Kidney Disease since its launch in September 2021, Health Ministry spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar announced in a statement.
The initiative is being implemented through 3,601 primary healthcare units nationwide. It targets citizens over the age of 40, as well as individuals aged 18 and above who have specific risk factors or a medical history of chronic diseases.
Abdel-Ghaffar added that the programme aims to ensure the early detection of illnesses and the provision of comprehensive healthcare services entirely free of charge.
“The initiative includes a range of medical examinations, including blood pressure measurement, random blood sugar testing, HbA1c analysis, lipid profile assessments, kidney function tests, and body mass index evaluation,” he said.
“It also provides health awareness sessions and continuous follow-up services for beneficiaries. Patients diagnosed with chronic conditions receive free monthly medication, while those requiring specialised care are referred to hospitals at the state’s expense,” he noted.
Abdel-Ghaffar emphasised that the initiative follows the latest scientific guidelines in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Continuous training is provided to medical personnel to ensure accurate screening, timely diagnosis, and efficient referral systems, thereby strengthening integration between primary and specialised healthcare services.
Abdel-Ghaffar urged citizens, particularly those living with hypertension or diabetes or those with a family history of such conditions, to visit their nearest primary healthcare unit to benefit from the initiative’s free services.
He stressed that early detection remains the most effective way to prevent complications, reaffirming that the health and well-being of citizens remain a top national priority.
