Egypt's Health Ministry has signed a letter of intent with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca to localise advanced molecular and genetic diagnostic testing, in a bid to strengthen its domestic healthcare infrastructure and reduce dependence on overseas labs. The agreement, announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, aims to bring high-precision testing for autoimmune, genetic, and cancer-related diseases—including lung, breast, gastrointestinal, and blood cancers—under Egypt's national healthcare umbrella. Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, said the move would accelerate early diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and cut the time and costs associated with sending medical samples abroad. "This agreement helps ensure the quality of healthcare services while promoting self-sufficiency and better access to modern diagnostics," Minister Abdel Ghaffar said in a Cabinet statement. The partnership will also foster collaboration between Egypt's public health institutions and the private sector, as well as explore future joint ventures in local manufacturing of tests and treatments. The initiative supports Egypt's Vision 2030 plan to achieve equitable healthcare access and improve service delivery nationwide. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
