Closure of 25 Unlicensed Addiction Treatment Centers in Cairo and Giza

As part of the Egyptian Ministry of Health’s efforts to safeguard public health and ensure the provision of safe and effective treatment services, the ministry recently announced the closure of 25 addiction treatment centers operating without official licenses in the governorates of Cairo and Giza. This move is part of an extensive campaign to monitor treatment centers and regulate the addiction-related healthcare market, which has witnessed a significant increase in recent years, raising concerns about treatment quality and patient safety.

Background of the Crisis

Egypt has experienced a notable rise in drug abuse and addiction rates across different age groups, including youth. Despite the existence of numerous governmental and private addiction treatment centers, some operate without licenses, raising serious questions about the efficiency of their therapeutic programs and adherence to medical and ethical standards.

Many complaints have been received from patients and their families regarding poor services in some unlicensed centers, including reports of psychological and physical abuse, lack of qualified medical personnel, and failure to follow approved treatment protocols.

Details of the Closure

In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Health launched a broad inspection campaign targeting addiction treatment centers in Cairo and Giza, resulting in:

• The full closure of 25 unlicensed centers

• Suspension of many unqualified medical and administrative staff

• Referral of some center operators to legal authorities for investigation

The ministry confirmed that these actions followed the discovery of numerous violations, including the absence of health requirements, non-compliance with infection control standards, and use of unapproved treatment methods posing risks to patient health.

Importance of the Closure for Ensuring Treatment Quality

Closing unlicensed centers is essential to protect society from risks arising from unscientific or poor-quality treatments. Addiction treatment mainly relies on integrated therapeutic programs that include:

• Accurate medical diagnosis

• Specialized psychological and behavioral therapy

• Social and family support

• Continuous follow-up to prevent relapse

The absence of these standards leads to treatment failure and increased risk of long-term physical and psychological harm.

Enhancing Oversight and Legislation

The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with security and regulatory bodies, is working on:

• Developing a strict licensing system for addiction treatment centers

• Enforcing stringent quality standards for medical facilities

• Organizing training programs for medical personnel working in this field

• Launching awareness campaigns to educate patients about their rights and the necessity of receiving treatment at accredited institutions

Role of Society and Families

Beyond governmental measures, the role of society and families remains vital in combating addiction. Psychological support and a supportive family environment play a crucial role in successful treatment and reducing relapse risk. Patients should also be encouraged to choose accredited centers and verify the credibility of medical services provided.

Conclusion

The closure of 25 unlicensed addiction treatment centers in Cairo and Giza is a significant step toward regulating the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens and protecting patients from harm. It also reflects the Ministry of Health’s commitment to strengthening oversight and legislation to advance the addiction treatment sector and ensure that treatment adheres to high medical and ethical standards for successful and sustainable outcomes.