Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA) and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, attended the grand celebration organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Cairo, marking 70 years of development cooperation between Egypt and Japan. The ceremony took place at the Cairo Opera House.
The event was attended by H.E. Oka Hiroshi, Japanese Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Yo Abisao, Chief Representative of JICA Egypt Office, Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation (via video conference), and several representatives from various ministries and institutions.
In his remarks, Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky emphasized that Egypt-Japan relations serve as a model for international cooperation, highlighting JICA’s significant contributions to Egypt’s healthcare sector, particularly in enhancing the quality of medical services and supporting the Universal Health Insurance system.
He added that the collaboration between Egypt Healthcare Authority and JICA has resulted in several landmark projects, including the signing of the "Patient-Centered Care" project agreement, which will run until 2027. This initiative builds on the Hospital Quality Enhancement Project, previously supported by JICA, and aligns with Egypt’s commitment to adopting global best practices in healthcare management and improving patient experience.
Dr. El-Sobky announced the launch of a hospital twinning program between Ismailia Medical Complex and one of Japan’s leading hospitals, aimed at transferring Japanese expertise in healthcare management and quality services.
The program includes:
This initiative will significantly enhance the skills of Egypt’s healthcare professionals and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services provided under the Universal Health Insurance system.
Dr. El-Sobky reaffirmed that Egypt Healthcare Authority’s partnership with JICA has played a crucial role in the nationwide adoption of Japanese quality and patient safety models. Key achievements include:
He praised JICA’s continuous support in modernizing Egypt’s healthcare sector, recognizing the agency as a key strategic partner in transferring advanced healthcare knowledge and practices to Egypt.
Dr. El-Sobky invited H.E. Oka Hiroshi, Japanese Ambassador to Egypt, and Mr. Yo Abisao, Chief Representative of JICA Egypt Office, to visit Egypt Healthcare Authority facilities and experience Egypt’s pioneering model for Universal Health Coverage firsthand.
He extended special appreciation to Mr. Ken Kato, former JICA representative in Egypt, for his instrumental role in strengthening healthcare cooperation between Egypt and Japan. Dr. El-Sobky highlighted JICA’s successful initiatives, particularly in introducing Japan’s advanced quality management systems into Egypt’s hospitals, which have significantly contributed to the development of a sustainable and high-performing healthcare system in Egypt.
The 70th anniversary of Egypt-Japan development cooperation is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations. With continued collaboration in healthcare, technology transfer, and quality improvement, Egypt Healthcare Authority and JICA are paving the way for a future of enhanced healthcare services and universal health coverage in Egypt.
