Cairo: The Ministry of Health and Population announced that women have made 70,591,515 visits to receive screening and awareness services under the President's sustained initiative to support women's health since its launch in July 2019. The initiative aims to encourage regular health check-ups and early detection of breast cancer.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar stated that the visits included 23,446,016 first-time visits, 33,428,303 follow-up visits, and 13,717,195 incidental visits. He emphasized the importance of early detection of breast cancer, which significantly reduces both patient and state burdens by facilitating timely treatment in accordance with the latest free international protocols.

Abdel-Ghaffar reported that 927,546 women were referred to hospitals for advanced examinations. The initiative is implemented through 3,663 primary healthcare units and 102 hospitals nationwide, and has also addressed 34,788 inquiries via its hotline (15335). The initiative employs the latest global breast cancer treatment protocols through 14 Ministry of Health centers and 14 university hospitals affiliated with the Supreme Council of University Hospitals, providing services free of charge and evolving into advanced oncology research centers.

Targeting women aged 18 and above, the initiative includes screening for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, along with measuring weight, height, and body mass index, and offering awareness on reproductive health, family planning, and risk factors.

Executive Director of the initiative, Hatem Amin, revealed that 38,922 breast cancer cases have been detected so far. He also noted that 449,571 mammograms and 59,842 biopsy samples were conducted, with confirmed cases receiving free treatment. Amin highlighted that 161,334 women were examined through mobile medical units, which conducted 64,307 imaging procedures, ensuring patients receive follow-up care through the national health insurance system or the state-funded treatment scheme.

Amin further stated that 30,098 healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, radiology technicians, and pathologists, have been trained to enhance service quality, ensuring the initiative continues to support women's health effectively.