CAIRO: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has initiated discussions on implementing stricter penalties for the operation of unlicensed rehabilitation centers for drug addiction treatment.

According to State Information Service Egypt, during a meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in the new administrative capital, Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the necessity of intensifying inspection campaigns on such unlicensed facilities. The Ministry has already scrutinized 330 facilities in recent times. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that the Ministry has adopted stringent legal actions, which include issuing warnings and closing facilities that violate regulations, to ensure the safety of patients and uphold the quality of medical services.

In addition, the Minister deliberated on proposed amendments to Law No. 71 concerning Mental Health Patient Rights Care. He directed efforts to bolster the role of the National Council for Mental Health in raising awareness about mental health and combating the associated social stigma. Abdel Ghaffar proposed organizing awareness initiatives, including media campaigns and community seminars, to further these goals.

The discussions also touched upon the licensing process for mental health facilities through an automated medical licensing system. This measure aims to foster governance in the issuance of licenses and to guarantee that health services are provided by licensed facilities.