Egypt Healthcare Authority Announces the Successful Completion of Eight Cochlear Implant Surgeries in Upper Egypt Under the Universal Health Insurance System
The Egypt Healthcare Authority has announced the success of eight new cochlear implant surgeries performed at Karnak International Hospital in Luxor, part of the Authority's healthcare network under the Universal Health Insurance system.
In a statement, the Authority highlighted that these successful surgeries reflect years of preparation and dedication to identifying and equipping patients eligible for cochlear implants. The process includes comprehensive medical evaluations, such as hearing tests, speech therapy sessions, cognitive and IQ assessments, and ear anatomy and function examinations, ensuring that each patient meets the criteria for surgery. A specialized tripartite committee assesses eligibility to ensure the best outcomes.
The surgeries were performed by a team of distinguished specialists, led by Professor Ahmed Abdelkhaleq Radwan, a cochlear implant surgery consultant, and Dr. Paula Hosni Shawky, an ENT specialist, alongside the hospital’s skilled medical and nursing staff. The efforts were coordinated by Dr. Mohamed Abdelhady Hafiz, Director of Secondary and Tertiary Care at Luxor Branch, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Hassan, Director of Karnak International Hospital.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, announced that a total of 61 cochlear implant surgeries have been successfully completed in Luxor to date. This achievement positions Luxor as the leading governorate among those implementing the Universal Health Insurance system in terms of cochlear implant surgery rates.
Dr. El-Sobky highlighted the significant costs involved in cochlear implant procedures, which amount to nearly EGP 1 million per surgery, covering the importation of the devices and the surgery itself. Under the Universal Health Insurance system, the government bears the full cost, with patients paying no more than EGP 450 as a co-payment. He emphasized the importance of these procedures, which involve implanting an electronic medical device into the inner ear to assist individuals with severe hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. Cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear, directly stimulating the auditory nerve to enable hearing.
The Authority remains committed to providing innovative and advanced medical services to beneficiaries of the Universal Health Insurance system. Dr. El-Sobky underscored the importance of offering such services locally in each governorate, reducing the burden of travel for children and their families, especially in Upper Egypt. This approach aligns with the Authority’s mission to deliver the highest quality healthcare, alleviate patients’ struggles, and ensure excellence in medical services, particularly for residents of Upper Egypt.
