Egypt&rsquo;s Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has announced the launch of a nationwide medical and ambulance plan for Eid al-Fitr 2026, aimed at ensuring readiness across the health system during the holiday period.
The ministry said more than 700 government hospitals have increased emergency preparedness, with emergency departments and operating theatres functioning around the clock as travel and public gatherings rise.
Ambulance Services and Rapid Response
The plan includes enhanced deployment by the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, with around 3,000 ambulances operating across governorates and an additional 1,200 vehicles positioned at key locations.
Ambulances have been stationed near main roads, public squares, mosques, Eid prayer areas, parks, and other gathering points. Twenty-seven emergency rooms are linked to a central control centre to enable real-time monitoring and dispatch, while regional officials oversee high-traffic areas.
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Focus on Major Roads
Authorities say priority has been given to major routes, including the coastal road between Damietta and Matrouh, the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, the agricultural road, as well as routes in South Sinai, the Red Sea, and Upper Egypt.
More than 600 fixed and mobile ambulance points have been deployed along these roads to allow rapid response to accidents.
Hospital Preparedness
Hospitals have also increased capacity in emergency and intensive care units. Around 250 facilities have been designated as primary referral centres on highways, supported by 54 rapid response teams for large-scale incidents.
Blood banks have been supplied with an additional 40,000 units, and medical stocks have been reinforced to meet potential demand.
Public Health Measures
The preventive medicine sector has intensified inspections of more than 35,000 food outlets, including sweet shops, restaurants, hotels, parks, and public transport hubs.
Around 1,200 inspection teams have been deployed to monitor compliance with health and safety standards.
Monitoring and Public Guidance
A central operations room will operate круглосуточно to monitor implementation of the plan.
The ministry has also urged the public to follow health guidelines, with the hotline 137 available for medical enquiries and emergency assistance throughout the Eid holiday.
Photo Credit: The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt&rsquo;s official page

Egypt Rolls Out Nationwide Health and Ambulance Plan for Eid

Nesma Mostafa, Head of MENA Higher Education Insights and Student Mobility at the British Council, joined Rob and Sally on &ldquo;The Big Fast&rdquo; this Tuesday to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education in Egypt and the MENA region. Airing from 8 to 10 AM, the conversation explored international collaboration, student mobility, and the benefits of transnational education for learners seeking global opportunities without leaving home.
Defining Herself as an Educator
Nesma shared her personal perspective on her role: &ldquo;So I&rsquo;m at the British Council, but how I define myself is as an educator, an education researcher. I&rsquo;ve been working in higher education for 15 years, which technically means research around higher education opportunities within the region, with the aim of informing the UK sector of these opportunities and then bridging, making connections, and building these relationships between the UK, Egypt, and beyond.&rdquo;
When asked why education is such a passion, she said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always been a lifelong learner. Education is at the core of development, supporting people to find what they&rsquo;re meant to do and helping nations meet their goals. Knowledge is power, regardless of where it comes from.&rdquo;
What is Transnational Education?
The discussion then turned to transnational education (TNE). Nesma explained: &ldquo;Transnational education is when a university in one country offers a programme or a degree in another country, physically moving to meet students where they are. Instead of Egyptian students travelling to get a degree in the UK, the UK institution comes to Egypt and delivers that in-country through different models.&rdquo;
She highlighted the accessibility of this model: &ldquo;This increases access to international education for students who can&rsquo;t travel for personal, family, or financial reasons. You get the benefits of an international degree without ever having to leave home.&rdquo;
Models of Transnational Education
On international branch campuses: &ldquo;This is one of the independent models of transnational education where a university expands to a new country, offering the same programmes and teaching methods, and bringing its expertise into a new context. Students graduate with one international degree that is very similar to what they would receive if they studied abroad.&rdquo;
On joint degrees: &ldquo;Joint degrees are when two universities come together to develop a programme. You have international expertise alongside local knowledge, creating something relevant to students and their context. It&rsquo;s co-created, combining the strengths of both institutions into one degree accredited by both.&rdquo;
On digital learning: &ldquo;This could be fully online learning, where you&rsquo;re in Egypt studying at a university abroad, which is still transnational education. There are also blended models combining online and face-to-face learning, usually involving a local partner and an international partner. The international side may develop the virtual learning environment and resources, while local expertise ensures the content is contextualised. Exams, for example, may take place in Egypt, even if systems are hosted abroad.&rdquo;
Why Egypt is a Key Destination
Egypt has become the fourth-largest host country globally for UK transnational education programmes, with around 38,000 students enrolled. Nesma explained the appeal: &ldquo;Egypt has 3.8 million students in higher education, expected to grow to 5 million by 2030. There&rsquo;s strong demand, and universities in Egypt are keen to partner with international counterparts. Students trust UK institutions, and government strategies highlight internationalisation as a priority.&rdquo;
The Benefits for Students
The advantages extend beyond studying locally. Nesma highlighted global recognition and employability: &ldquo;You get a degree that can be used anywhere in the world without needing revalidation. Students also develop critical thinking, leadership, communication, and intercultural skills that are highly valued by employers.&rdquo;
She also emphasised the British Council&rsquo;s role: &ldquo;We work with governments, institutions, and learners. We help ensure supportive regulations, bring stakeholders together through networking, and guide students on accessing opportunities. Everything we do is research-driven to continuously improve partnerships.&rdquo;
Regional Collaboration through Deep Dialogues
Nesma discussed the recent regional Deep Dialogue in Cairo: &ldquo;Participants from 11 countries came together to learn from different models of transnational education. Mature ecosystems like Egypt shared insights with countries still developing their frameworks. We discussed regulation, quality assurance, and engaged directly with students to understand their experiences.&rdquo;
She added, &ldquo;These dialogues build a community of practice. Connections continue beyond the event, creating sustainable networks that support education across the region.&rdquo;
Looking Ahead
Nesma concluded with a forward-looking perspective: &ldquo;Successful models in more developed systems can help guide countries in earlier stages. At its core, this is about improving education, expanding opportunities, and empowering students to reach their potential while contributing to society. The British Council plays a key role in building the connections, understanding, and trust needed to make this ecosystem sustainable.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

Nesma Mostafa on Transnational Education: Bringing Global Degrees Closer to Egyptian Students

Every year, as Ramadan approaches, social media platforms are flooded with posts, discussions, and reviews about the season&rsquo;s most popular series. Fans eagerly share their favourite shows, sparking debates that highlight the diversity of tastes among viewers.
A Variety of Genres for Every Taste
Ramadan series dominate online conversations because everyone has their own preferences. Some viewers are drawn to action and thrillers, while others prefer light-hearted comedies or romantic dramas. This wide variety ensures there is something for everyone, keeping discussions lively and inclusive.
Social Media Amplifies the Experience
Social media plays a crucial role in shaping the Ramadan viewing experience. Fans use it to share reviews, recommend shows, and react instantly to plot twists, memorable performances, or funny scenes. It doesn&rsquo;t just reflect audience opinions; it influences them, helping certain series gain momentum and become cultural talking points.
However, this immediacy can have downsides. Spoilers often appear online before some viewers have had a chance to watch, causing disappointment or rushing people to catch up. The &ldquo;spoiler alert&rdquo; dilemma has become a recurring challenge, as social media&rsquo;s fast pace can sometimes take away the element of surprise that makes watching a series so enjoyable.
Beyond Entertainment: A Shared Cultural Experience
Ultimately, the combination of Ramadan&rsquo;s communal spirit and the rise of social media have turned TV series into more than just entertainment. They have become shared cultural experiences, where fans across the region engage, debate, and celebrate their favourite moments together, while also navigating the occasional spoiler.
Photo Credit: Freepik

Why Ramadan Series Take Over Social Media Every Year

Egypt&rsquo;s Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has praised the humanitarian and medical achievements of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, highlighting its role in supporting the country&rsquo;s healthcare system and saving thousands of lives.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and civil society organizations in strengthening healthcare services across Egypt.
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The minister described the foundation as a leading model of charitable medical work in the country and the region, pointing to the achievements of the Aswan Heart Centre. The centre combines advanced medical treatment with scientific research and has provided life-saving care to thousands of children and patients free of charge.
Abdel Ghaffar also noted the upcoming opening of the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre, which is expected to expand access to advanced cardiac research and treatment in Egypt.
He described renowned heart surgeon Magdi Yacoub as a global example of dedication and humanitarian commitment, embodying the spirit of a &ldquo;humanitarian doctor.&rdquo;
For his part, Yacoub expressed appreciation for the government&rsquo;s support, saying the foundation&rsquo;s achievements are driven by a shared belief that everyone deserves access to life-saving treatment, regardless of financial ability. He added that the new Cairo research centre will represent a major step toward building a healthier future for upcoming generations.
Photo Credit: Cabinet of Egypt&rsquo;s official page

Egypt’s Health Minister Hails Magdi Yacoub Foundation for Life-Saving Cardiac Work

Egypt&rsquo;s General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR) has granted full and preliminary accreditation to 32 health facilities across the country, according to decisions issued by the Supreme Committee for the Accreditation of Health Facilities.
The move is part of efforts to strengthen quality and patient safety standards in line with internationally recognised benchmarks set by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua).
Officials say the accreditations aim to improve the efficiency of healthcare institutions and prepare them for integration into Egypt&rsquo;s Universal Health Insurance system, which seeks to expand access to safe and high-quality medical services nationwide.
As part of preparations for the system&rsquo;s second phase, Minya Governorate is expected to be among the first areas to implement the programme. The Supreme Committee renewed preliminary accreditation for Minya Oncology Center and granted preliminary accreditation to several hospitals in the governorate, including Samalut Oncology Hospital, El Adwa Central Hospital and Mallawi Liver and Gastroenterology Hospital.
The General Military Hospital in Alexandria, affiliated with the Armed Forces Medical Services, also received preliminary accreditation in accordance with GAHAR standards, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen quality and patient safety in healthcare delivery.
Officials say the latest accreditations represent another step in Egypt&rsquo;s broader strategy to standardise healthcare services, improve patient outcomes and prepare facilities for nationwide implementation of the Universal Health Insurance system.
Photo Credit: Freepik&nbsp;

Egypt Accredits 32 Health Facilities as Part of Insurance Expansion

Under the &ldquo;Rabies-Free Egypt 2030&rdquo; strategy, 293 stray dogs were vaccinated in a single day, as authorities shift from crisis management to long-term solutions. Egypt&rsquo;s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has launched the first field phase of its national campaign to vaccinate and sterilize stray dogs, starting in the Ain Shams district of Cairo, in a move aimed at protecting public health and addressing the stray dog issue through sustainable and humane measures. The campaign is part of the national strategy &ldquo;Rabies-Free Egypt 2030&rdquo; and reflects a clear policy shift from short-term crisis management to science-based, long-term solutions. Ain Shams was chosen as the starting point due to repeated public complaints and the need for early intervention to reduce health risks associated with rabies.
<a href="https://ibb.co/JWsns0Bt"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/35C1CGrd/Rabies-Free-Egypt-2030-Instagram-Post-Golden-Dog-1.png" alt="Rabies-Free-Egypt-2030-Instagram-Post-Golden-Dog-1" border="0" /></a> From Crisis Management to Sustainable Solutions Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk said the initiative marks a transition toward root solutions, emphasizing that the campaign follows internationally recognized standards and prioritizes cooperation between government institutions and civil society. The field operations are being implemented under the supervision of the General Organization of Veterinary Services, in coordination with the General Administration of Animal Welfare and Licensing, and in cooperation with the Federation of Animal Welfare Associations.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEgyptianCabinet%2Fposts%2Fpfbid05FdszQCgiwtgSm1nbRSzVjCPe32zHrAFVWgohq86NmSVrQVunqh5U7mTCJfbqvqFl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> On the first day of the campaign, veterinary teams vaccinated 293 stray dogs against rabies, while 25 dogs were transferred to designated shelters to undergo surgical sterilization before being safely returned to their original environment. Officials said this approach helps maintain ecological balance and prevents the spread of disease by limiting the entry of unvaccinated animals into treated areas. Alongside vaccination efforts, veterinary awareness teams launched an on-ground community outreach campaign to educate residents on safe interaction with stray dogs and methods of preventing zoonotic diseases. The ministry confirmed that the Ain Shams phase represents the foundation of a nationwide rollout, which will be gradually expanded across all governorates according to a set timeline, in line with Egypt&rsquo;s goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Cabinet's official page&nbsp;

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