Cairo University: Death of phycisian Salma Habish unerlated to work stress or pressure

CAIRO – 9 August 2025 – The Cairo University has refuted media reports claiming that the death of Dr. Salma Mohamed Habish, a female physician at the university’s Faculty of Medicine (Kasr El-Aini Hospital), was due to work-related stress or pressure.

Reports had circulated that Dr. Habish, a resident physician from El-Mahalla and a graduate of Misr University for Science and Technology, passed away on Friday evening while on duty at Kasr El-Aini Hospital, allegedly after working two consecutive shifts.

In an official statement, Cairo University clarified: “The cause of death was not related to stress or work pressure, as has been reported on some websites and social media platforms.”

The university extended its sincere condolences to Dr. Habish’s family and colleagues, mourning the loss of one of its young physicians.

Cairo University reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive working environment for all its members, including doctors, nurses, and students. It emphasized that its hospitals adhere to recognized medical and professional standards and that the institution remains steadfast in providing care and support to its staff.

In April 2025, Dr. Osama Abdel-Hay, head of the Egyptian Doctors Syndicate, revealed that approximately 7,000 young Egyptian doctors had emigrated abroad for work within the span of a single year. In televised remarks, he described the situation as a growing crisis, warning that physician emigration is worsening by the day. He expressed deep concern over the escalating trend, calling it a “terrifying” phenomenon.

However, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated during an official press conference in April 2025 that 29,000 students are currently enrolled in medical schools across Egypt this year. He noted that these students will graduate in the coming years, and emphasized that the emigration of 7,000 to 8,000 doctors would “not pose a problem at all.” The Prime Minister added that those who choose to work abroad would, in fact, contribute to Egypt’s soft power by gaining valuable professional experience and generating financial returns for the state.