Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly on Monday reviewed the implementation of the second phase of the country's Universal Health Insurance system, stressing the need to expand coverage while ensuring financial sustainability. The meeting was attended by top health and finance officials, including Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk. Madbouly said the government is accelerating the rollout across five governorates and considering adding Alexandria, following directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He also called for additional funding for the health insurance system and the Hayah Karima (Decent Life) Initiative to ensure broader access in rural areas. Abdel Ghaffar outlined progress in preparing healthcare facilities, including primary care units, family medicine clinics, and secondary and tertiary care hospitals, with the private sector providing up to 40 per cent of hospital beds. The second-phase plan covers Minya, Matrouh, Damietta, Kafr El-Sheikh, and North Sinai, with reassessments ongoing in all facilities. By November 2025, the Universal Health Insurance system had reached 5.2 million beneficiaries across six governorates, with low-income citizens representing 16 per cent of beneficiaries. The authorities plan to extend coverage to 13 million people in the second phase. The officials also reviewed digital transformation, infrastructure readiness, human resources, and supply chain management to support the system, while a long-term review through 2030 is underway to ensure sustainable delivery of high-quality healthcare services. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
