As part of efforts to improve services for employees of national press institutions and support the sustainability of Egypt’s state-owned media establishments, Chairman of the National Press Authority (NPA) Abdel Sadek El‑Shorbagy visited the headquarters of the General Authority for Health Insurance, where he held talks with Authority Chairman Tamer Madkour.
The discussions focused on expanding co-operation between the two institutions in the health and media sectors, including ways to benefit from the Authority’s medical services and facilities for employees of national press institutions, while enhancing media coverage of the authority’s services and achievements.
El‑Shorbagy stressed that national press institutions remain one of Egypt’s most important soft-power tools, playing a vital role in building public awareness, strengthening national identity and countering rumours. He noted that the state continues to support efforts to improve the financial and administrative conditions of national press institutions in line with directives from President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi.
The NPA chairman also highlighted ongoing efforts to settle outstanding financial obligations owed by press institutions to state entities, including health insurance subscriptions, as part of broader efforts to improve their financial position and enable them to fulfil their media role more effectively. He added that the authority is seeking to conclude a co-operation protocol to provide specialised healthcare services to employees of national press institutions.
For his part, Madkour welcomed stronger co-operation with the NPA and praised the capabilities of national press institutions in printing, publishing and media outreach. He said the Authority had undergone a significant transformation in recent years, noting that around 70 million citizens are covered by the health insurance system, with approximately 40 million actively benefiting from its services.
Madkour added that efforts are underway to expand clinics, medical contracts and pharmaceutical services to accommodate growing demand, while continuing to improve healthcare services and address operational challenges. He also underlined the importance of the media’s role in raising awareness, communicating facts and highlighting the state’s achievements in the health sector.
