Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt forms national council to drive health tourism growth
Egypt has taken a significant step toward expanding its role as a regional hub for health tourism, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Health Tourism Council in Cairo.
The meeting brought together senior cabinet members, including ministers responsible for tourism, investment, youth, education, aviation, and digital infrastructure.
The new council aims to set clear standards and regulations to organize and elevate Egypt’s health tourism industry, an area expected to contribute substantially to the national economy.
With its renowned medical facilities and rich cultural and natural attractions, Egypt is positioning itself as a leading destination for international patients seeking both treatment and recreation.
The council’s initial agenda included reviewing government initiatives to establish a unified digital platform for health tourism, setting criteria for the providers listed, and discussing a draft of a national health tourism strategy.
Officials also considered recommendations from previous high-level committees dating back to 2017 and developed a roadmap for integrating private sector contributions and international best practices.
“Health tourism represents an important economic pillar for Egypt,” Dr. Abdel Ghaffar said, underscoring the council’s mandate to ensure high-quality services, improve monitoring, and keep Egypt competitive on the global stage.
The council will meet quarterly and report directly to the Prime Minister.
Key areas discussed included integrating hotels, transport, and logistics providers into the national platform, ensuring high standards for service providers, and expanding digital access to health tourism services.
The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, called for a comprehensive legal framework and clear guidelines to maintain quality and encourage investment in the sector.
Civil Aviation Minister, Dr. Sameh El Hefny, highlighted recent achievements, notably the accreditation of EgyptAir Hospital as the country’s first facility certified for international medical tourism, and the inauguration of a specialized unit for international patients.
The meeting concluded with commitments to further strengthen cooperation between government agencies, the private sector, and international partners to establish Egypt as a top destination for medical travelers.