CAIRO, July 29, 2018- Addressing the debate session on "Health Insurance System", Minister of Health Hala Zayed said that one of the biggest challenges facing the health system is the waiting lists of Hepatitis C virus patients. An integrated health package has been established with the aim of ending the waiting lists problem of Hepatitis C patients, increasing reserves of vaccines, baby milk formulas as well as decreasing population growth and securing a health system that can be applicable nationwide, she added. The minister asserted that such package will introduce a radical change in reforming the health system with the participation of hospitals of the universities, Armed Forces, Police and Civil Society. Zayed said there are 12,127 patients on the waiting lists of nine medical specialties, noting that 3,992 patients have been operated. Also, around 5,000 patients are on the waiting lists of university teaching hospitals, the minister said, adding that 1,700 patients have undergone liver transplant surgeries. The minister also explained that a plan is currently underway to include nine critical surgeries in the health insurance system. They include open heart, cardiac catheterization, kidney and liver transplant, eye and bone surgeries, neurosurgeries, cochlear implantation as well as cancer. The minister attributed the accumulation in patient waiting lists to the hospital service fees, which represent around 30 percent of the total cost, adding that fees in the new health system law will be announced within 10 days. As of the first of October, a media campaign on the new health system will be launched, the minister said, adding that "Long Live Egypt" Fund and the World Health Organisation will be asked to oversee the system to ensure transparency in displaying the results. As many as 3,800 health units will be involved in the new system. There are 74 clinics for treatment of Hepatitis C virus patients, the minister said, noting that the number will reach 114 with the involvement of hospitals. Health Minister Hala Zayed said human element is the most important element in the health mechanism, expressing her full appreciation to all workers operating in the health domain. At the end of her word, the minister honoured four youths, including two doctors and a nurse, working in the health domain for their efforts in developing health mechanism in Egypt. She also paid tribute to paramedic Ahmed Gamal who sustained four bullets in the head while serving in El Arish, wishing him a speedy recovery.
