Egypt brings state-funded treatment services closer to patients in 18 governorates

Egypt has made state-funded treatment services available through 207 primary healthcare facilities across 18 governorates, allowing more people to complete procedures near home instead of travelling to hospitals.

The Health and Population Ministry said the expanded system had issued about 51,000 treatment authorizations. Around 48,000 had resulted in treatment being provided or medicine dispensed, an implementation rate of approximately 93%. Primary care staff also help visitors understand the service and complete the required steps.

Moving these services into local facilities takes advantage of Egypt’s broad primary care network. The ministry said the aim is to shorten journeys, ease crowding and reduce waiting times while continuing to monitor service quality and processing speed.

Health directorates in Sharqia, Fayoum, Gharbia and Alexandria were among those highlighted for strong operation of the system. The ministry also reported that every participating facility in Beheira and Gharbia had met its monthly target for treatment authorizations by August 31, 2026.

The change does not remove every barrier to care, but it shifts an important administrative gateway away from larger hospitals and into community-based facilities that are easier for many residents to reach.