Cairo: Egypt's Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS) has officially launched in Aswan, marking the final governorate in the first phase of the nationwide programme, according to the Egyptian Healthcare Authority (EHA).

According to State Information Service Egypt, Aswan is the sixth governorate to join the UHIS and the second in Upper Egypt after Luxor. The multi-phase programme began in 2018 in Port Said and has since expanded to Ismailia, South Sinai, Suez, and Luxor.

EHA Chairman Ahmed El-Sobky stated that during the trial phase, which commenced in late 2023, the system in Aswan provided 2.8 million medical and therapeutic services. These ranged from comprehensive medical exams and diagnostics to advanced treatments and major surgeries.

According to El-Sobky, the services included more than one million medical and laboratory tests, 400,000 emergency services, 100,000 outpatient visits, and 20,000 surgeries, with over 45 percent classified as primary, advanced, skilled, or specialised procedures. Intensive care, neonatal services, and other forms of advanced care were also provided.

The services were delivered through eight hospitals and 89 family medicine centres and units affiliated with the EHA. El-Sobky stated that investments in the UHIS in Aswan have exceeded EGP 12 billion, encompassing infrastructure, medical equipment, and digital transformation initiatives. He described the system's launch as a step towards 'health justice' and improving public health outcomes.

The first phase of the UHIS, which focused on upgrading medical infrastructure, has cost more than EGP 51 billion. The second phase, expected to begin later this year, will extend coverage to Damietta, Marsa Matrouh, Kafr El-Sheikh, North Sinai, and Minya, with an estimated cost of EGP 115 billion, according to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Originally slated for completion by 2032, the UHIS will be rolled out nationwide by 2027 under presidential directives.