Healthcare Authority Chairman Meets with Representatives of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Strengthen AI Applications in the Healthcare Sector
As part of the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and Japan to support the application of artificial intelligence and digital solutions across various sectors of the Egyptian state, especially in healthcare, Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the Healthcare Authority and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance and Hayah Karima Projects, met with a delegation from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for technical and advisory collaboration to enhance the implementation of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector.
During the meeting, Dr. El-Sobky emphasized the significant role that artificial intelligence and digital solutions play in transforming healthcare services. He stated that the Healthcare Authority possesses a robust database, which includes over six million electronic medical records and more than 500 million archived radiology images. This rich resource base is a cornerstone for enabling advanced AI applications that can improve service quality, enhance efficiency, and support decision-making processes in healthcare.
Dr. El-Sobky highlighted the mutual agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Healthcare Authority and BCG, which will focus on identifying high-value projects and priorities aligned with the aspirations of the beneficiaries of the Universal Health Insurance system. These projects aim to integrate AI into various domains, including health planning, radiology, telemedicine, non-medical operations management within healthcare facilities, and early disease detection.
He stressed the Authority's readiness to implement artificial intelligence immediately, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and a strong culture of digital transformation. The Universal Health Insurance system, projected to expand by 2030, is expected to include 6,000 family health units and centers and 1,000 hospitals. This expansion will be effectively managed through AI-powered systems to ensure high standards of healthcare delivery.
One of the key initiatives discussed during the meeting was the establishment of the first AI Applications Center in Egypt and Africa, set to launch in Ismailia in 2025. The center will be developed in three phases: initially involving experts and programmers, followed by building the necessary human capacity, and ultimately creating a Center of Excellence within five years. This center will showcase successful case studies and facilitate the exchange of expertise in AI applications within the healthcare sector.
Dr. El-Sobky also noted the success of AI-powered building management systems, which have already reduced energy costs at the Suez Medical Complex by 25%. He emphasized that the Authority’s substantial data repository and technological infrastructure provide a solid foundation for leveraging AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
The Chairman commended Boston Consulting Group for its pivotal role in supporting major projects that require innovative business models and strategic frameworks to achieve their objectives. He also praised JICA’s contributions as a trusted partner in modernizing Egypt’s healthcare system, stressing the importance of continuing this collaboration to localize the latest international expertise, with Japan being a key development partner for Egypt.
The BCG delegation expressed their commitment to supporting Egypt's healthcare sector through innovative strategies and solutions aimed at enhancing sustainability and improving services. JICA representatives expressed their appreciation for the successful implementation of Japanese-supported projects in Egypt, highlighting the innovative methods that have been adopted to improve the healthcare system and achieve significant advancements in service quality.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials from the Healthcare Authority, including Dr. Amir El-Telwany, Executive Director of the Authority; Dr. Magdy Bakr, Advisor for Technical Affairs; Dr. Mahmoud El-Shehat, Director of Internal Audit; Dr. Mostafa Shaaban, Head of the Central Administration for Healthcare and Treatment Services; Dr. Mai Maligy, Director of the General Administration of Information Systems and Digital Transformation; and Dr. Shady Farahat, Head of the Development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Unit. Representatives from BCG Egypt, including Eng. Francisco Bothy, Eng. Adham Abu Zeid, and Eng. Farid Abdel Rahman, also participated in the meeting, along with Dr. Ahmed El-Gheizy, Health Program Manager at JICA.
This meeting underscores the commitment of the Healthcare Authority to advance Egypt’s healthcare system through cutting-edge technologies and strong international partnerships, paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative healthcare future.
