The International Organisation for Migration in Egypt (IOM) and the European Union Delegation to Egypt inaugurated on Thursday the latest addition to the Watan Medical Centre in the city of 6 October to serve Egyptians and migrants. The centre, run by Watan for Cultural and Social Development is one of the IOM's chosen partners in Egypt that works to provide socio-economic, educational, and medical services to migrants, refugees, and Egyptian host communities across Greater Cairo. "It was an honour to officially open Watan clinic that provides medical services for Egyptians and migrants in 6 October city. I am amazed by the Syrian community's support to offer health services for migrants and host communities. 20,746 patients have already received health support from Watan," said Laurent de Boeck, IOM chief of mission to Egypt, at the inauguration. The IOM has previously supported Watan in establishing a dental clinic and laboratory through the refurbishment and provision of medical devices. Under this latest collaboration, the IOM, with funding from the European Union through Regional Development and Protection Programme for North Africa Phase II, provided the financial and in-kind support to establish the gynaecology and obstetrics wing. The wing offers delivery services (both natural birth and caesarean) and is equipped with two rooms for post-delivery accommodation. Following the addition of the wing, Watan decided to consolidate all clinics in one centre in 6 October city. The centre now boasts dental, gynaecology, obesity, cardiac, endocrinology, dermatology, urology, physiotherapy and otolaryngology clinics, according to the IOM. Watan NGO currently serves an estimated 450 individuals a month and 5,400 a year, charging affordable fees for those who can pay, and free-of-charge services for vulnerable cases.
