Health minister inspects Rafah crossing as Egypt launches healthcare initiative for non-citizens

CAIRO - 5 February 2026: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar inspected the Rafah border crossing Thursday to monitor medical services provided to injured Palestinians.

The visit coincided with the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions for humanitarian cases and the Monday launch of the "Duyufna" (Our Guests) initiative. This new program extends Egypt’s family and child healthcare services to non-Egyptians, specifically targeting those displaced by regional conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Accompanied by North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer, Abdel Ghaffar reviewed medical protocols for receiving injured individuals at the border. During the tour, he received briefings on the coordination between ambulance teams and specialized medical points. The minister emphasized the necessity of 24-hour readiness and the provision of all essential equipment to handle emergency cases.

Governor Megawer noted that the minister’s itinerary included inspections of El Arish General Hospital and Sheikh Zuweid Central Hospital to assess facility needs. In a Thursday briefing, the governor confirmed that hospitals across North Sinai have reached maximum readiness levels, with emergency medicines and blood supplies secured to support Palestinian patients in line with state directives.

The visit and the concurrent launch of the "Duyufna" initiative underscore the government's efforts to stabilize the health sector in North Sinai while expanding the state’s medical umbrella to those seeking refuge within its borders.