Prime Minister Sherif Ismail assigned the ministerial committee formed to address the Health Insurance Bill to present a comprehensive study to the cabinet, in preparation for thorough discussions. The committee was formed in early December to review the medical insurance bill. "The bill comes as part of the cabinet's strategy to achieve social justice and complete its efforts in sustainable development, in spite of economic hardships," cabinet spokesperson Hossam El-Kawish quoted Ismail as saying. "The new bill is an emergency bill to substitute the old one to become compatible with new changes; the cabinet is determined to improve citizens' issues, particularly in the health sector." The bill aims to provide health insurance for citizens on low income, making use of new medical insurance cards linked to families, rather than individuals. The Ministry of Health is planning to conduct a pilot project in several cities before implementing it across Egypt. The cities have been selected based on an existing database for citizens who use smart cards. "Between 40% and 42% of Egyptians are in need of this medical insurance and the state will cover their treatment expenses through this law," Health Minister Ahmed Emad El-Din previously said. The ministry will launch a quality-control authority for hospitals to be included in the new system. Only hospitals with qualified doctors who receive acceptable salaries, as well as high-quality infrastructure and equipment, will be included in the insurance system, according to Emad El-Din.
