Egypt, Algeria Initiate Broad Health Sector Partnership
Algerian Ambassador to Cairo, Mohamed Soufiane Berrah, recently met with Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, head of Egypt's General Authority for Healthcare, to outline enhanced health cooperation. The discussions centered on establishing a robust partnership in areas including universal health coverage, digital transformation, telemedicine, medical tourism, and health investment. Both sides expressed a commitment to exchanging expertise and exploring opportunities to support medical services, thereby ensuring the sustainable operation of health facilities.
During the meeting, Egyptian and Algerian experiences in universal health coverage were reviewed, with an emphasis on mutual learning to develop health systems, improve governance, and enhance sustainability. Key topics included confronting non-communicable diseases and leveraging technology to elevate the quality and accessibility of health services. An agreement was reached to develop a program for exchanging experts and medical staff, which will encompass specialized training, live broadcasts of complex surgical procedures, and cooperation in telemedicine. Additionally, discussions explored collaboration in localizing pharmaceutical industries, transferring technology, and advancing research and development.
Dr. El-Sobky highlighted Algeria's strategic importance as a gateway for expanding Egyptian health cooperation across North Africa. Ambassador Berrah, in turn, affirmed the central role of healthcare in Algeria's national policies and conveyed his country's eagerness to benefit from Egyptian expertise in implementing universal health coverage and digital transformation initiatives. The meeting concluded with a consensus to draft a detailed plan outlining proposed cooperation areas, priorities, and implementation mechanisms. This draft will be presented to relevant authorities in both nations, with further cooperation to be channeled through the Egyptian-Algerian Joint Committee, facilitating the conversion of these understandings into actionable steps for developing healthcare systems.
