The Egypt Health Care Authority has hosted a high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a field visit to several of its health facilities in Port Said. This visit was part of the technical cooperation project between Egypt and Japan and aimed at observing the outputs of JICA's project for improving quality and patient safety at the Authority's hospitals, as well as initiating the patient-centered care project set to be launched during 2024-2027.
The delegation's visit began at the Emirates District Family Medicine Center, where they inspected the medical registration department and learned about the primary care services provided, ranging from family medicine to dental services, laboratory services, and pharmaceutical treatment, culminating in a visit to the Beneficiary Affairs Office. The tour continued at El Hayah Hospital in Port Fouad, where the delegation observed the patient journey within the facility and received detailed explanations of the medical and therapeutic services provided across different departments. They also reviewed the medical and non-medical facilities and the operation of the Beneficiary Satisfaction Management.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sabki, Chief of the Egypt Health Care Authority and the General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance and Decent Life projects at the Ministry of Health and Population, highlighted that 2024 will see the activation of the technical cooperation project with JICA centered on patient-focused care. This initiative forms part of the developmental cooperation strategy between Egypt and Japan for 2024, aimed at enhancing healthcare quality and transferring missions and expertise in collaboration with JICA. Dr. El-Sabki praised the effective collaboration between the Egypt Health Care Authority and JICA.
He noted that the patient-centered care project with JICA is a fundamental step towards improving the quality of health services, enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system, and improving patient experience. He affirmed the Authority's commitment to enhancing international cooperation and adopting the best global practices with international partners to ensure the provision of outstanding and sustainable health services to citizens.
The JICA delegation commended the tangible efforts of the medical and administrative teams at the Health Care Authority's facilities in implementing quality improvement and patient safety programs. They congratulated the team at El Hayah Hospital in Port Fouad for being among the top five hospitals recognized by JICA's EH-QIPS technical cooperation project committee.
The delegation appreciated the significant challenge the Authority has undertaken to foster a culture of change among healthcare providers and recipients. They praised the Authority's innovative policies to support concepts of comprehensive quality, serving clients under the umbrella of universal health coverage.
The JICA delegation included Dr. Tobi Makoto, Senior Advisor for Health Financing and Health Systems at JICA's headquarters, Ms. Sadamoto Yutori, Deputy Director, Health Team, Human Development Department at JICA's headquarters, Ms. Ito Tomomi, JICA's Health Sector Officer in Egypt, Mr. Satoshi Otani, Health Systems Management Advisor, and Dr. Shaimaa Kamel, Senior Project Officer for Capacity Development for the Implementation of Universal Health Insurance policies. Dr. Mazen Alaeddin, General Supervisor for Cooperation with International Organizations, accompanied the delegation along with several leaders from the Port Said branch of the Egypt Health Care Authority.
