Egypt Healthcare Authority Announces Medical Coverage Plan for New Year and Christmas Celebrations 2025
In line with the Ministry of Health and Population's national plan to ensure healthcare service delivery during festive periods, the Egypt Healthcare Authority has unveiled its comprehensive medical coverage plan for the New Year and Christmas celebrations, from January 1 to 7, 2025. The plan emphasizes the provision of uninterrupted and quality healthcare services to citizens across governorates under the Universal Health Insurance system.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the Egypt Healthcare Authority and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, announced the escalation of preparedness across 302 healthcare facilities, including 35 hospitals and 267 family medicine centers and units, in six governorates: Port Said, Luxor, Ismailia, South Sinai, Suez, and Aswan. Designated evacuation hospitals have been identified based on pre-planned emergency scenarios to ensure rapid response and efficient crisis management.
The Authority has reinforced the presence of medical teams in emergency departments and critical care units, optimized staffing schedules for doctors and nurses across all departments, and increased the number of on-call shifts. Comprehensive supplies, including medications, medical equipment, solutions, blood bags for all blood types, and derivatives, are being secured. The operational readiness of hospital beds, intensive care units, ventilators, and all medical and non-medical equipment will be monitored round the clock to address any emergencies effectively.
To enhance rapid response capabilities, six rapid medical deployment teams have been prepared to provide immediate support and intervention in the event of emergencies within Universal Health Insurance governorates. An administrative central deployment team, led by the Egypt Healthcare Authority, will coordinate with regional teams to ensure a synchronized response.
A central emergency operations room has been established at the Authority’s headquarters, along with six branch-level emergency rooms across the Universal Health Insurance governorates, ensuring 24/7 coordination. These operations rooms are electronically linked to the national unified safety network and various state agencies, ensuring seamless integration with the Ministry of Health’s crisis management rooms and the Egyptian Ambulance Organization. This system utilizes automated emergency call protocols through the national emergency and safety network, enabling real-time communication and coordination.
Dr. El-Sobky highlighted the comprehensive collaboration with the Egyptian Ambulance Organization, including identifying designated evacuation hospitals, determining ambulance stationing points, and charting optimal routes for transporting patients to the nearest healthcare facilities efficiently. Ambulance teams will continuously monitor patients' vital signs en route, adhering to international standards.
The Authority has directed the intensification of Beneficiary Satisfaction Teams to conduct regular field follow-ups and on-site inspections of healthcare facilities. These teams will monitor the implementation of the medical coverage plan, ensuring operational compliance, adherence to staff schedules, and timely execution of medical procedures.
To ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during the celebrations, chronic disease medications will be dispensed to eligible beneficiaries at all family medicine centers and units under the Universal Health Insurance system. Additionally, dialysis units at hospitals will remain operational, continuing to serve patients throughout the festive period.
This robust plan underscores the Authority’s commitment to maintaining world-class healthcare standards and ensuring the health and well-being of all citizens, even during peak celebration times.
