Over 2.7 Million Surgeries Completed in Egypt’s Initiative to End Waiting Lists

The President’s Initiative to End Waiting Lists in Egypt has provided over 2.7 million surgeries since its launch in July 2018, offering free medical services to patients. The initiative aims to alleviate long wait times for critical surgeries by employing a unified electronic system for tracking and assigning cases, alongside contributions from state funding and civil society organizations.

The Ministry of Health and Population in Egypt has confirmed that the President’s Initiative to End Waiting Lists provides complimentary services, relieving patients of financial burdens associated with urgent and critical surgeries. This initiative is designed to assist individuals who are unable to afford necessary medical treatment, ensuring high-quality services are delivered in a timely manner.

Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, the Health Ministry’s Advisor for the Initiative and Head of the Health Insurance Authority, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to enhancing hospital performance and service delivery. This commitment includes continuous staff training, the provision of essential surgical equipment, and the ongoing development of an automated system to facilitate data tracking and extraction for improved operational efficiency.

The initiative has successfully implemented a unified electronic system linking treatment decision entities, including state-funded care and health insurance, relative to hospital capacities. This system also facilitates patient transfers across service sectors, streamlining the surgical process for eligible patients.

Patients needing surgical services under the initiative are encouraged to register on the project’s dedicated website, http://wlms.smcegy.com, or contact the hotline at 15300 for assistance. Since its inception in July 2018, the initiative has accomplished 2,700,736 surgeries aimed at clearing waiting lists and minimizing future backlogs for critical surgeries.

Additionally, the ministry has received 260,033 calls from patients regarding the waiting list, with 220,452 cases actively monitored from July 2023 to February 2025. The initiative encompasses various surgical procedures, including heart surgeries, orthopedic interventions, oncology treatments, and more, ensuring rapid patient assignment to hospitals for prompt care.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry, stated that the initiative, introduced by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in July 2018, addresses the persistent issue of extended wait times in the Egyptian healthcare system. Prior to this initiative, patients often faced waiting periods of up to 18 months for critical surgical treatments.

Today, the average waiting time has significantly decreased to two to three weeks, with all services provided at no cost. Funding is sourced from the state’s general budget and generous contributions from civil society organizations, the Banks Union, and the Tahya Misr Fund, enhancing the sustainability of these essential medical interventions.

In conclusion, Egypt’s President’s Initiative to End Waiting Lists represents a significant effort to tackle the challenge of prolonged waiting times for critical surgeries. With over 2.7 million surgeries completed since its launch, this initiative provides free, timely, and high-quality medical services to patients, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and operational efficiency in the Egyptian healthcare system.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com