Egypt outpaces major economies in surgical wait time: gov’t spox

 

CAIRO - 16 February 2026: The Egyptian government is set to inject 6 billion EGP into the national health sector following direct presidential directives to eliminate surgical backlogs and bolster state-funded medical care.

In a Monday phone interview with Al-Hayah TV, Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar detailed a 3 billion EGP allocation specifically dedicated to clearing all pending surgical waitlists before the upcoming Eid al-Adha. This surge in funding aims to accelerate critical interventions in high-precision specialties, including cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, organ transplants, and orthopedic procedures.

Seven years of health reform

Reflecting on the initiative’s trajectory since its 2018 launch, Abdel Ghaffar noted that the program has fundamentally reshaped Egypt’s healthcare landscape over the past seven years. To date, more than 3.088 million citizens have benefited from the initiative, backed by a total investment exceeding 31 billion EGP.

Global performance benchmarks

Abdel Ghaffar contended that Egypt’s surgical wait times are now measured in weeks rather than months. He pointed out that medically advanced nations—including the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States—often grapple with wait times ranging from six months to two years for similar procedures.

"The political will in Egypt is focused on reaching the shortest possible waiting period to safeguard the lives of our citizens," Abdel Ghaffar stated, framing the achievement as a benchmark that rivals some of the world’s most established health regimes.

Expanding the safety net

The financial commitment extends beyond the operating room. An additional 3 billion EGP has been earmarked for the "Treatment at the State’s Expense" system. This funding ensures that citizens not currently covered by the national health insurance umbrella continue to receive essential medication and therapeutic services, reflecting a comprehensive state vision for universal health equity.