The Ministry of Health and Population expands its services.

Why this initiative?
As part of the state’s efforts to support the most vulnerable groups, the Ministry seeks to guarantee the right of persons with disabilities to comprehensive medical care, simplify procedures, and expand coverage.

This step coincides with Egypt and the world celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), highlighting the state’s commitment to integrating people with disabilities into society and providing equal opportunities.

Who is eligible? — Categories of persons with disabilities who may benefit
According to the Ministry, the groups eligible to receive the Integrated Services Card (and its related services) include cases of:

• Amputation (one or more limbs)
• Quadriplegia
• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Polio (affecting one or more limbs)
• Visual impairment (blindness)
• Multiple disabilities
• Down syndrome
• Intellectual disabilities (subject to a specified IQ level)
• Autism spectrum disorders

What services does the Ministry provide for persons with disabilities?
The Ministry announced that it provides free and comprehensive medical services for persons with disabilities under the framework of “universal coverage” through the Integrated Services Card.

Among the services provided:

• Medical care in hospitals and clinics التابعة للوزارة.
• Specialized dental services for children with disabilities in some governorates—such as Beni Suef, which offers weekly dental clinics for this group.
• Support in providing prosthetic devices and assistive tools (depending on the type of disability), in cooperation with relevant entities, as part of the benefits available through the Integrated Services Card.

How are these services activated?

• Issuing the “Integrated Services Card,” which serves as the official document enabling persons with disabilities to access services, based on defined eligibility criteria.
• Distribution of the card and services across all governorates to expand coverage and ensure easy access without geographical barriers.
• In some governorates, allocating specific times and service points—such as weekly dental clinics for children with disabilities in Beni Suef.

How do these efforts integrate with broader policies supporting persons with disabilities?
In addition to healthcare services, other entities such as the Ministry of Social Solidarity work on issuing support cards, providing financial assistance, assistive devices, special education, scholarships, and promoting social inclusion.

There are also efforts to facilitate access to official services (such as obtaining identification documents) through entities like the Ministry of Interior, particularly for visually impaired individuals.

These measures are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at integrating persons with disabilities into society and ensuring their rights to healthcare, education, employment, and a decent life.

Why is this step important? — Its impact on individuals and society

• Equal opportunities: Persons with disabilities often face challenges in accessing healthcare and essential services. Providing accessible and inclusive services reduces social and economic disparities.
• Improved quality of life: Regular healthcare, rehabilitation, and assistive devices help individuals integrate into daily life and achieve greater independence.
• Comprehensive support: The approach goes beyond treatment to include rehabilitation, education, and social support, reflecting a holistic and humane perspective.
• Reducing burdens: It eases financial and emotional strain on families and society by lowering medical costs and enabling active participation in community life.

The expansion of services for persons with disabilities by Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population—through comprehensive care, the issuance of the Integrated Services Card, and the provision of medical and rehabilitation services across all governorates—represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

As these efforts align with initiatives from other ministries and institutions (Social Solidarity, Interior, Education, and rehabilitation sectors), there is strong hope that disability will be transformed from a burden into an opportunity for empowerment and effective inclusion.