CBE Governor, Higher Education Min. Inaugurate Expanded Healthcare Facilities

Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Hassan Abdalla and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdel Aziz Konsowa on Sunday inaugurated a series of major medical projects and healthcare units at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), affiliated with Cairo University, as part of a broad initiative supported by the Central Bank and Egyptian banks under the banking sector’s social responsibility framework.

The inauguration reflects the Central Bank’s developmental role in supporting Egypt’s sustainable development agenda and improving citizens’ quality of life through strategic investments in priority sectors, particularly healthcare.

The event was attended by Cairo University President Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, former Cairo University President Hossam Kamel, National Cancer Institute Dean Mohamed Abdel Moaty Samra, Ghada Tawfik, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility, Higher Education Ministry spokesperson Adel Abdel Ghaffar, and senior officials from both institutions.

Among the key projects unveiled was the “Hossam Kamel” Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, established by pioneering transplant specialist Hossam Kamel, alongside a newly upgraded Hematology Unit in the institute’s southern building. The facilities were modernized and equipped through Central Bank funding, increasing treatment capacity to serve approximately 400 patients annually and helping reduce national waiting lists for bone marrow transplantation procedures.

The delegation also inaugurated the institute’s newly renovated Outpatient Clinics and Medical Services Complex, which houses a comprehensive range of specialized clinics covering surgical oncology, hematologic malignancies, adult and pediatric cancers, radiation therapy, pain management, dentistry, cardiology diagnostics, clinical nutrition, early cancer detection, anesthesia, and psychological support services.

The expanded complex is expected to receive nearly 1,500 patients each day, significantly enhancing access to specialized cancer care.

During the visit, Abdalla and Konsowa reviewed ongoing development and construction work at the institute’s northern hospital and central building. They also toured several upgraded medical departments and units equipped with advanced technologies, including inpatient wards, a pediatric day-care treatment unit, and a women’s health center.

The upgrades are designed to strengthen the institute’s treatment capacity while improving the quality and efficiency of diagnostic and therapeutic services available to cancer patients across Egypt.

The latest openings build upon earlier phases of development that included the rehabilitation and modernization of the institute’s southern hospital with state-of-the-art medical systems and equipment, underscoring the long-standing partnership between Egypt’s banking sector and national healthcare institutions.

Speaking during the inauguration, Abdalla expressed pride in supporting the National Cancer Institute, describing it as the first and largest integrated academic cancer treatment center in the Middle East and the Arab world.

He said the Central Bank’s contribution, alongside the broader banking sector, represents a model of institutional cooperation aimed at elevating healthcare standards and expanding access to high-quality medical services.

“Supporting the healthcare sector remains at the forefront of the Central Bank’s social responsibility strategy,” Abdalla said. “Investing in people is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and a key driver of long-term economic and social progress.”

He added that the Central Bank’s integrated social responsibility approach focuses on human development, improving access to essential services, and generating lasting developmental impact across Egypt’s governorates.

For his part, Minister Konsowa praised the banking sector’s continued support for university hospitals, noting that these facilities collectively serve approximately 32 million patients annually.

He highlighted the banking sector’s substantial contributions to the National Cancer Institute, including the modernization of outpatient clinics, the renovation of bone marrow transplant and hematology units, and the upgrading of the southern hospital. Additional projects are currently underway, including the development of the northern hospital and central building, as well as expansion projects at the Breast Cancer Hospital in New Cairo, which is being equipped with advanced radiotherapy technology.

Konsowa also commended the institute’s ongoing efforts to enhance cancer care services, describing it as one of the Arab region’s most prestigious academic oncology centers. Beyond providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, the institute plays a key role in several national healthcare initiatives and early cancer detection programs, while continuing to deliver specialized care through its extensive outpatient network.