Cairo: Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar announced that Egypt aims to achieve complete health insurance coverage for its citizens by 2030 during the annual forum of the Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA) held in the New Administrative Capital. Abdel Ghaffar, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development, outlined the strategic objective to improve the well-being of the Egyptian population through quality healthcare services.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the comprehensive health insurance program currently covers 78% of the population, with an annual expenditure of LE 10 billion. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the initiative’s role in providing equitable healthcare access to all citizens. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, also present at the forum, provided key statistics on the system’s implementation. The first phase, covering six governorates, allocated over LE 51 billion to improve healthcare facilities, benefiting 6 million citizens out of the total population of
107 million. The second phase is projected to require approximately LE 115 billion.
As the initiative advances, Madbouly highlighted the need to expand health insurance coverage, enhance healthcare infrastructure, and improve digital solutions. The upcoming phase will include populous governorates to deliver efficient and sustainable services. Madbouly stressed the importance of collaboration and partnerships to build on initial successes. The governorates involved in the second phase will be Damietta, Matrouh, Kafr El-Sheikh, Minya, and North Sinai, with potential inclusion of a major governorate to provide services in collaboration with university hospitals, the private sector, and civil society.
Madbouly described the comprehensive health insurance project as a national dream, supported by leadership vision, government determination, and community participation. He acknowledged challenges such as financing, infrastructure, and sustainability but expressed confidence in political will and strategic plans
to overcome obstacles. He emphasized the success of the health insurance system depends on collective efforts from the state, private sector, and healthcare institutions to provide comprehensive and sustainable coverage for all Egyptians. He invited stakeholders to contribute ideas, investments, and expertise to develop a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system.