Egypt's Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, met on Sunday with Qena Governor Khaled Abdel Halim to discuss ways to accelerate the development of the healthcare system in the governorate and complete ongoing projects aimed at improving medical services and easing the burden on citizens, the ministry said in a statement. Abdel Ghaffar said Qena is among the government's top priorities for upgrading health infrastructure in Upper Egypt due to its strategic importance in serving southern governorates. The plan, he added, follows the directives of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to provide comprehensive healthcare services nationwide. He noted that upgrading Qena, Deshna, and the Health Insurance hospitals forms part of this national vision, emphasising the importance of completing them on schedule to bring the new facilities into service as soon as possible. The meeting reviewed the progress of several major projects, including the new Qena Hospital, Deshna Central Hospital, the emergency building at Nag Hammadi General Hospital, and the administrative building of Abu Tesht Central Hospital. Discussions also covered the development of the Health Insurance Hospital, the addition of new medical equipment to the Cancer Center, and the upgrade of Qaft Specialized Hospital. The talks further addressed the establishment of an integrated ambulance centre near the Civil Registry and main bus complex, and a new building for the regional blood bank to ensure hospital supply continuity. Land has also been allocated for the construction of a new Waqf Central Hospital under upcoming budget plans, while several health units are being offered as investment opportunities for new maternal and child health centres. Renovation work on the old Naqada Hospital is being finalised with funding from the Upper Egypt Development Authority. Governor Abdel Halim reviewed progress on the ongoing projects, stressing that the governorate is "racing against time" to finalise implementation in coordination with the ministry. He highlighted preparations to begin construction of Qus New Hospital to ease pressure on Qena General and University Hospitals. He also presented a community-supported plan to establish an integrated Cancer Center in Abu Tesht, describing it as a vital project to reduce patients' suffering and provide specialised care closer to home. The governor praised the sustained support of the political leadership and the Ministry of Health, reaffirming joint efforts to complete ongoing projects and launch new initiatives that meet citizens' needs. The meeting concluded with an agreement to finalise a cooperation protocol with the National Population Council and Qena University to enhance public awareness and family planning. It also included plans to launch the "Model Healthy Village" initiative to improve healthcare services and infrastructure in rural areas.
