Egypt and Switzerland: International cooperation

In an important development for Egypt’s healthcare sector, the Ministry of Health and Population met with representatives from Switzerland in an official meeting to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in medical and pharmaceutical fields.

 What Was Discussed in the Cooperation Meeting?

• Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, met with Andreas Baum, Swiss Ambassador to Cairo, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the health sector between Egypt and Switzerland.

• Existing joint projects were reviewed, including medical waste management and national blood transfusion services, described by Switzerland as a “sustainable model with internationally recognized quality certifications.”

• The discussion explored several cooperation areas:

  • Hospital management

  • Primary healthcare

  • Training for medical and nursing staff

  • Local drug manufacturing

  • Pharmaceutical quality assurance

  • Vaccine production

  • Development of medical products

 Why Is This Cooperation Important?

• Expanding local drug manufacturing reduces dependence on imports and improves drug availability in the Egyptian market.

• Transferring Swiss expertise in hospital management, quality systems, and pharmaceutical oversight enhances healthcare services in Egypt.

• Strengthening local capabilities in drug production and vaccine manufacturing is a strategic step towards self-sufficiency, reducing treatment costs for both the government and citizens.

• International cooperation provides an investment-friendly environment that attracts foreign companies to Egypt’s pharmaceutical and medical devices market, contributing to modernizing healthcare infrastructure.

 How Will the Cooperation Be Implemented?

• Launching joint projects in drug and pharmaceutical manufacturing according to international standards with joint supervision.

• Programs for training and exchange of medical and nursing staff between Switzerland and Egypt to enhance efficiency and healthcare management.

• Supporting quality of basic healthcare services and primary care, while improving emergency response and infectious disease management.

• Strengthening medical waste management and environmental safety, promoting a cleaner, safer healthcare environment.

• Participation in medical-economic forums and joint investments in healthcare and pharmaceutical infrastructure.

 Why Is This a Turning Point?

This cooperation combines two key elements:

1. Localizing the pharmaceutical industry: Supporting domestic production and reducing reliance on imports.

2. Transferring technology and international standards: Radically updating the healthcare system and improving the quality of medical services.

Such international partnerships help reduce gaps in drug availability and quality, especially amid global economic challenges and supply chain fluctuations.