Healthcare in Egypt

Public health coverage is offered through the Ministry of Health, which operates a series of medical facilities providing free health services. There are two main quasi-governmental insurers.[5] The Health Insurance Organization (HIO), is the largest public health-care payer, along with the Curative Care Organization (CCO). Their services are provided under the form of basic coverage.[6] The HIO covers 60% of the population, including employees, students, and widows through premiums deducted from employee salaries and employer payrolls.[7] The organization operates its own network of medical facilities and at times contracts with private healthcare providers. The Curative Care Organization (CCO) offers inpatient and outpatient care in specific governorate through contracts with other entities and individuals.[8] Many mosques and churches also operate their own subsidized or free clinics, especially in the large cities.[9]

There are also private insurance options and a network of private healthcare providers and medical facilities. The private sector includes for-profit clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies.[10] The private medical sector is deemed superior to the public services, in terms of quality. Statistics show that the private sector is the initial choice of a healthcare provider in Egypt, even among the lowest income groups.[11]

Egypt is now considered the second most highly populated country in the MENA region, with Cairo being among the world's most densely populated cities.[12] The Egyptian population is relatively young, with 37% being children under the age of 15. The high population density, as well as increasing fertility rates, have challenged the healthcare system.[13] High levels of pollution and overcrowding trigger health concerns.[14] Egypt is a lower-middle-income country with high levels of unemployment. Despite the government's efforts to further the economy, 32.5% of Egyptians live in extreme poverty.[15] The increasing poverty level resulted from the austerity measures imposed on the government by the IMF.[16] With an increasing population and changing socioeconomic environment, Egypt faces great challenges in adapting to such developments in terms of healthcare facilities.[17]

Medical care offered by the public health insurance system is generally of poor quality. Although the system ensures basic universal coverage, it faces several shortcomings in terms of quality of service due to underfunding. Only 4.75% of the GDP in Egypt is dedicated to investments in healthcare services.[18] Almost half of the public healthcare facilities have shortages of medical equipment and personnel.[19] It is presumed that only 20% of the 660 government hospitals are committed to safety and infection control standards.[20] Only about 6% of Egyptians covered by the Health Insurance Organization utilize its services due to dissatisfaction with the level of services it funds. In 2007/2008, 60% of health expenditure in Egypt was paid out of pocket by people seeking treatment.[21] Excessive reliance on out-of-pocket financing of medical treatments creates inequalities of healthcare access.[22] In 2007, more than 1/5th of the population struggled with catastrophic healthcare-related payments.[23] Additionally, there is a gap in terms of availability of medical services between the capital Cairo, and other rural areas.[24]