Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, underscored the importance of strengthening co-operation with the World Bank to support the continued development of the country’s healthcare system and improve the quality and accessibility of health services for citizens.
Abdel-Ghaffar made the remarks during a meeting with a World Bank (WB) delegation to review existing areas of co-operation and explore new opportunities for partnership in support of Egypt’s health sector.
The minister highlighted the strong convergence between the ministry’s priorities and the bank’s areas of support, particularly in advancing healthcare system reform, promoting the local production of medicines and medical supplies, and expanding engagement with the private sector to facilitate access to modern treatments and healthcare solutions.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing joint projects, including support for the implementation of Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance System.
Discussions focused on preparations for the system’s forthcoming phases, with particular attention to upgrading the infrastructure, equipment and operational capacity of hospitals and health units in the governorates concerned.
The two sides also discussed the integration of university hospitals into the Universal Health Insurance System as part of efforts to ensure the provision of high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services.
Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar said the discussions also addressed opportunities to benefit from Indonesia’s experience in expanding universal health coverage.
The two sides explored ways of drawing on Indonesian expertise in managing large-scale healthcare systems, developing sustainable investment models, establishing effective self-management mechanisms and strengthening public-private partnerships.
Abdel-Ghaffar noted that preparations are under way for a planned visit to Indonesia, in coordination with the bank, to enable Egyptian healthcare officials and specialists to examine practical experiences and successful models in universal health coverage.
The visit is also intended to support knowledge transfer, strengthen the capabilities of Egyptian personnel and identify approaches that could contribute to the continued development of Egypt’s healthcare system.
