Egypt screens 21M citizens for kidney malfunction to prevent dialysis

CAIRO – 11 January 2023: Deputy Chairman of the New Qasr Al Ainy Hospital Walid al-Boshy stated Wednesday that 21 million out of targeted 45 million citizens – aged between 25 and 40 – have been screened for kidney malfunction.    

The measure is aimed at preventing kidney failure, which requires dialysis and that costs the government LE96,000 and LE150,000 per patient. Boshy pointed out that the initial screening is carried out by running blood tests and urtlasound, and that in case of detecting abnormality, the patient is referred to departments specialized in treating kidney diseases.

Executive Director of the "Early Diagnosis of Nephropathy" initiative Emad Abdel Satar stated in February that 4,500 screening devices have been made available at healthcare units nationwide providing 30-second tests.

Abdel Satar noted that once a kidney disease case is identified, the patient is offered free treatment at the closest hospital. In that context, the official urged citizens suffering from diabetes and/or hypertension to hit the nearest healthcare unit to have a free check-up.