Egypt Healthcare Authority: A Rare and Complex Case Treated Using Third-Space Endoscopy Featured on the Cover of GIE Journal's 2025 Opening Issue
The Egypt Healthcare Authority announced a groundbreaking achievement, with a rare and complex case treated using third-space endoscopy techniques being featured on the cover of the 2025 opening issue of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s (GIE) official journal. GIE is recognized as the world’s leading and most prestigious publication in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy.
The Authority revealed that the intricate medical case, performed by Professor Ahmed Madkour, Head of the Gastrointestinal and Biliary Endoscopy Department at the Authority’s Port Said branch and Professor at Helwan University’s Faculty of Medicine, was successfully treated using third-space endoscopy technology introduced under the Universal Health Insurance system. This pioneering technique showcases the Authority’s commitment to advancing healthcare practices.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, expressed immense pride in the Authority's globally competitive medical expertise. He emphasized that having a case from the Authority featured on the cover of a prominent journal like GIE reflects Egypt’s leadership in advanced medical specialties. He congratulated Professor Ahmed Madkour, recognizing him as a model of scientific excellence within the Authority and the first to introduce third-space endoscopy techniques in 2021, supported by the advanced facilities and modern equipment provided by the Authority.
Dr. El-Sobky highlighted that the Gastrointestinal and Biliary Endoscopy Unit at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Port Said is the first specialized unit offering advanced treatments for all types of gastrointestinal cancer using cutting-edge endoscopy techniques. These include third-space endoscopy for tumor excision without the need for surgical interventions or rerouting procedures.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology at a cost of EGP 20 million, the unit serves the entire Canal Region. To date, it has performed over 7,500 endoscopic procedures, including approximately 1,500 advanced and complex cases—20% of its total workload. These services are delivered with global success rates, demonstrating the unit’s exceptional capabilities.
Dr. El-Sobky noted that the cost of a single procedure to treat gastrointestinal cancers using these advanced techniques can reach EGP 250,000 outside the Universal Health Insurance system, while patients under the system pay only EGP 450 as a co-payment. Cancer treatment through endoscopy is one of the most significant additions to the system’s service packages, ensuring access to cutting-edge treatments for all beneficiaries.
He concluded by emphasizing the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its medical infrastructure and integrate the latest technologies to provide world-class healthcare services. The recognition of such groundbreaking achievements underscores the Authority’s leadership in delivering comprehensive, high-quality care under the Universal Health Insurance system.
