The Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA), under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the Board and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, has successfully conducted the first-ever liver transplant from a living donor within its hospitals, performed at Ismailia Medical Complex under the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system.
Dr. El-Sobky emphasized that liver transplantation is one of the most intricate and delicate surgical procedures, requiring highly specialized medical expertise, advanced surgical techniques, and cutting-edge medical infrastructure—all of which EHA is committed to providing at the highest standards.
The patient, a 20-year-old woman suffering from severe liver cirrhosis, required an urgent liver transplant to save her life. Her 23-year-old sister volunteered as a donor, undergoing comprehensive medical evaluations to confirm tissue compatibility and ensure the donor's health and safety.
A highly skilled surgical team, led by leading transplant specialists, successfully performed the 9-hour surgery, which involved:
Dr. El-Sobky highlighted that while the actual cost of the procedure exceeded EGP 1 million, the patient’s financial contribution was only EGP 450, thanks to the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) coverage.
“This underscores the transformative role of UHI in providing world-class medical services at minimal cost to citizens,” he stated.
The Ismailia Medical Complex has solidified its position as a leading hub for complex and high-precision surgeries, offering state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and a highly trained multidisciplinary team.
Dr. El-Sobky commended the entire medical team for their expertise, professionalism, and seamless coordination, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both the recipient and donor.
Dr. El-Sobky affirmed EHA’s ongoing commitment to expanding organ transplantation programs, ensuring access to the latest technologies and highest international medical standards.
“Our mission is to train top-tier medical professionals, enhance surgical capabilities, and integrate cutting-edge innovations into Egypt’s healthcare system. This aligns with Egypt’s vision to provide world-class, equitable healthcare for all citizens,” he concluded.
