Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population has detailed a comprehensive medical security plan for the North Coast to ensure readiness during the current holidays and the 2025 summer season, as large numbers of citizens visit the popular coastal area. In a statement on Monday, the ministry outlined the measures being taken after Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar received a detailed report on the plan from the Matrouh Health Directorate. Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said the plan covers public health measures, inspections of facilities, the establishment of a central operations room, and resource management to handle the seasonal influx of visitors. The plan includes preventive inspections of tourist facilities, food production and service establishments, health clubs, water stations and sewage networks. It also involves monitoring infection control measures and occupational health and safety standards at both public and private health facilities in the coastal cities and tourist villages. To enhance hospital and staff readiness, a refresher training programme has been organised for hospital managers, while emergency staff have been trained to handle infectious diseases and cases of poisoning. All medical teams, including supporting staff, have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B, the spokesperson added. Resources have been bolstered with the creation of a backup storage facility for vaccines, medicines and medical supplies at Marina Central Hospital, where medical isolation rooms have also been designated. A number of mobile clinics are also stationed in the area, and the Presidential Initiative for Women's Health vehicle will be present throughout the summer. A central operations room has been established to run 24/7, linked to the directorate's emergency room and the ministry's central crisis room to monitor the plan's implementation. According to Islam Assaf, the Health Undersecretary in Matrouh, all hospitals are mandated to accept and provide immediate emergency care to all patients. Protocols are in place for coordinating transfers for specialised cases, and hospitals are also operating evening clinics as per regulations.
