Egypt steps up medical readiness nationwide ahead of Easter, Sham El-Nessim celebrations

CAIRO – 12 April 2026: Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population has declared maximum readiness across all medical facilities nationwide ahead of the Easter and Sham El-Nessim holidays, mobilising 1,650 ambulances and activating permanent operations rooms around the clock to ensure comprehensive medical cover throughout the holiday period.

Egypt's Healthcare Authority (EHA) has simultaneously rolled out a dedicated coverage plan across the six governorates served by the Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS) — Port Said, Luxor, Ismailia, South Sinai, Suez, and Aswan — stepping up preparedness, deploying medical teams, and ensuring essential medicines and emergency services remain in place.

EHA Chairman Ahmed El-Sobky said all affiliated facilities have raised their readiness levels, with staff leave curtailed and duty schedules in emergency departments adjusted to guarantee a rapid response to urgent cases.

He confirmed that adequate supplies of medicines, blood products, vaccines, sera, and fuel are secured to keep facilities running without interruption. Patients with chronic conditions will continue to receive their medications throughout the holidays, and dialysis units will remain fully operational.

Poison control centres are on heightened alert — particularly in anticipation of food poisoning cases linked to fesikh, the traditional fermented salted fish synonymous with Sham El-Nessim. The authority is also disseminating guidance on safe food practices through its official social media channels, while rapid response teams have been formed to oversee implementation across all facilities.

On the community level, multi-specialty medical convoys and mobile clinics will operate at public gathering points as part of the flagship "100 Million Health" initiative, alongside health awareness teams deployed across public squares, gardens, and churches.

Egypt typically increases healthcare readiness during major public holidays, when large gatherings and seasonal eating habits put additional pressure on emergency services. 

This year, the government declared Monday, April 13 an official public holiday for Sham El-Nessim, with the decision applying to employees across ministries, government agencies, and the private sector.