Egypt to launch LE 2B central lab complex

CAIRO - 9 April 2026: Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, announced a major leap in Egypt’s diagnostic infrastructure. The state has directed massive investments into the development of the Central Laboratories system, a cornerstone of medical diagnosis and public health decision-making.

The spokesperson revealed that the investment cost for the first phase of the Central Laboratories project stands at LE1.375 billion. This figure is projected to reach approximately LE2 billion upon the completion of the second phase.

The new Central Laboratories complex, located in Badr City (serving El Shorouk and surrounding new urban communities), represents a qualitative shift in the sector. Spanning a total area of 40,000 square meters, the project features multiple specialized buildings equipped with cutting-edge medical technology.

Abdel Ghaffar confirmed that construction has exceeded a 90% completion rate. The project is slated for completion by the end of April 2026, with pilot operations scheduled to commence in July 2026.

The facility is designed according to the latest international standards to provide advanced laboratory services. Abdel Ghaffar lauded the architectural designs and the rapid pace of execution, emphasizing that the costs of services are subsidized by the state to ensure affordability for citizens, despite the rising global costs of reagents, laboratory materials, and modern equipment maintenance.

According to the Ministry, the return on investment extends beyond immediate laboratory testing:

Cost Reduction: Early diagnosis significantly reduces long-term treatment costs.

Epidemic Control: Enhances the state's ability to monitor and limit the spread of infectious diseases.

National Initiatives: Supports Presidential health mandates, such as the "100 Million Healthy Lives" initiative and chronic disease screenings.

The Central Laboratories will be integrated into the National Network of Central Laboratories, providing a wide array of services, including:

Microbiological and chemical analysis.

Clinical pathology and food/water safety testing.

Certified travel-related testing and infectious disease screenings.

The facility will be managed by an elite group of doctors, pharmacists, and specialized scientists. Abdel Ghaffar concluded by affirming that the Ministry maintains rigorous oversight of operational efficiency to guarantee the highest levels of accuracy and quality, ensuring that the laboratories remain a reliable pillar for the Egyptian healthcare system even during emergencies.