Egypt has allocated EGP100 billion to its healthcare sector with the objective of battling COVID-19, said Awad Tageddin, advisor to President Sisi for protective health, and former minister of health. Dr Tageddin was speaking at a seminar held by Fayoum University on 16 November, under the title “The latest on Coronavirus and protective measures against it”.
Participating in the seminar were Fayoum Governor, Ahmed al-Ansary; Deputy Governor of Fayoum Muhammad Emad; President of Fayoum University Ahmed Gaber Shedid; and university staff and students.
According to Dr Tageddin, Egypt had 77 public fever hospitals and for respiratory disease hospitals nationwide, well equipped to handle COVID-19 cases. This in addition to a number of teaching hospitals that all boasted respiratory intensive care units.
Dr Tageddin stressed that, since the coronavirus outbreak in Egypt in February 2020, the country never suffered from any shortage of relevant medicines or medical supplies. President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, he said, personally follows up closely on the situation and makes sure hospitals are equipped and well-stocked with supplies. This, said Dr Tageddin, has helped reduce COVID-19 infections and complications. He said that President Sisi repeatedly expresses his appreciation of the dedication and sacrifices of the ‘White Army’, reminding that more than 200 doctors and nurses had lost their lives to the disease.
Dr Tageddin stressed that, despite the relatively low daily numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths, Egyptians have to be very careful and cooperative in order to keep the virus at bay. He said that protective measures of social distancing and personal cleanliness cannot be understated, being the only sure way known for protection.
Egypt’s daily figures of COVID-19 hover around 240 infections and 12 deaths. No lockdown has imposed; businesses, banks, schools, worship places, restaurants, and suchlike are open but with social distancing and all protective measures mandatory.