Al Mashat Participates in Annual Forum of Universal Health Insurance Authority

Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in the Annual Forum of the Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA), held under the theme "Sustainable Universal Health Coverage for All," under the patronage and honor of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, and Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development, along with a number of ministers, officials from UHIA, representatives of development partners, and the private sector.

During her participation in the second discussion session of the conference, titled "Enhancing Partnership and Contracting with the Private Sector to Provide High-Quality Healthcare Services," Dr. Rania Al-Mashat explained that the comprehensive health insurance project supports the state’s efforts to develop healthcare services and improve their quality for all citizens, particularly those with lower incomes. 

It also provides support for the electronic service system to apply the comprehensive health insurance system in several targeted hospitals and medical centers in the governorates of Port Said, Damietta, Ismailia, and Luxor.

Minister Al-Mashat added that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for strong investments in the healthcare sector.

Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that Egypt's greatest asset is its people, as human resources are the driving force behind the economy, fostering innovation and determining the country’s global competitiveness.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that through the universal health insurance system, Egypt is building a model that guarantees access to quality healthcare for all, as well as creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and private sector involvement.

Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that the universal healthcare system is not just a public service but a driver of productivity, innovation, and national competitiveness.

Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the Egyptian government is committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with international partners to support Egypt's national priorities, as outlined in Egypt Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and standards, in addition to promoting economic growth as a key factor.

Minister Al-Mashat confirmed that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation aims to maximize the benefits of collective strategies to develop partnerships with international institutions to support the ongoing transformation in Egypt’s healthcare system.

Dr. Al-Mashat referred to the ministry’s three key development partners working together to finance the health system: the World Bank (WB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the French Development Agency (AFD).

Minister Al-Mashat added that this ambitious goal requires strong partnerships and strategic investments, with the private sector playing a pivotal role in this transformative journey. She noted that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is making vital investments in this sector, including an advisory project that enhances private healthcare participation in Egypt.

Dr. Al-Mashat mentioned that the universal health insurance project is an essential part of Egypt Vision 2030 and the efforts for sustainable economic development, as investing in human capital is key to leading many efforts to achieve inclusive economic development. She added that the project is supported by development partners and enhances the country's ability to provide humane health coverage for citizens, unifying efforts for the first time with the private sector to provide advanced care services.

Dr. Al-Mashat also pointed out that cooperation with the IFC and the WB is based on sectoral priorities for investment and partnership with the private sector, especially the healthcare sector. She highlighted the private sector's keenness to collaborate with the Egyptian government toward this goal.

Dr. Al-Mashat stressed the indispensability of creating an incentivizing environment for the private sector, citing recent legislation put in place by the state, which has contributed to encouraging the private sector. In addition to the expansions being made by the universal health insurance project in several governorates, offering a significant opportunity for the private sector to expand into these areas.