Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat met on Wednesday with Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar to discuss the investment budget for the health sector for FY 2025/2026. The discussions focused on the health sector's investment allocations within the 2025/2026 economic and social development plan, aligning with the updated planning methodology, Egypt's Vision 2030, the government's work programme until 2027, the National Programme for Structural Reforms, sectoral strategies, and the State Ownership Policy Document. Minister Al-Mashat stated that total government investments in the 2025/2026 development plan are allocated as follows: * 45 per cent to human development sectors * 35 per cent to industrial development and infrastructure * 19.7 per cent to local development and governorates She emphasised that the health sector remains a priority due to its direct impact on citizens' well-being and productivity. She added that the government is committed to improving access to healthcare services and implementing the Universal Health Insurance Project. Minister Al-Mashat also reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing the efficiency and governance of public investments, ensuring adherence to the investment spending ceiling for the next fiscal year. She stressed that the goal is to achieve private sector-led economic growth by facilitating local and foreign investment in development projects. Notably, an analysis of the 2024/2025 investment plan for the Ministry of Health and Population indicates that total public investments, including allocations from the government, economic bodies, and companies, amount to 31.126 billion Egyptian pounds. Of this, 28.5 billion Egyptian pounds has been designated for 577 sub-projects, with 68 projects expected to be completed during the fiscal year. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
