Presidential directives to apply comprehensive health insurance program in spite of global economic challenges: Finance min.

CAIRO - 4 May 2022: Finance Minister Mohamed Maait asserted that, in line with presidential directives, a comprehensive health insurance system should be applied in all governorates in spite of the global economic challenges.

This should contribute to fulfilling the dream of Egyptians to obtain comprehensive health care for all family members in the "new republic" within 10 years instead of 15, the minister noted.

Maait, also head of the General Authority for Comprehensive Health Insurance, said in a statement on Wednesday that the new system is now fully applied in the cities Port Said and Luxor, adding that preparations are underway for the official launch in Ismailia after a successful pilot operation.

The first phase of the system also includes South Sinai, Aswan and Suez, while the second phase includes the governorates of Qena, the Red Sea and Marsa Matrouh, he made it clear.

Maait said that the financial situation of the authority is strong, assuring that performance indexes during the fiscal year 2021/2022 reflect the ability to absorb global shocks.

There is a current study to expand the umbrella of the comprehensive health insurance system to address as many needy people as possible, the minister said, noting that this comes as part of government efforts to boost social protection and ease the impact of the global economic challenges on citizens.