Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population announced that the presidential initiative for pre-marriage medical tests has gone into effect starting Sunday 26 February under the “100 Million Healths” initiative.
The 100 Million Healths initiative was launched by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in October 2018. It was first aimed at mass screening and treatment of Hepatitis C, and NCDs, but later expanded into other health initiatives that included the treatment of chronic diseases, and early detection of renal impairment. All the initiatives are electronically linked to one database.
The newly launched initiative aims at decreasing the rates of death resulting from non-communicable diseases, and that future generations would not be exposed to genetic diseases.
According to Minister of Health Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the initiative targets couples about to get married, Egyptians and non-Egyptians residing in Egypt. They must present the new medical certificate at least 14 days before getting married, with an attached QR code.
“Medical examination before marriage has been compulsory in Egypt since 2008. However, the new certificate adds new obligatory tests for the couple,” Dr Abdel-Ghaffar noted. He said the services are available in 300 medical centres seven days a week, where a medical team of doctor, nurse, lab technician are there to serve clients.
According to Dr Wael Abdel-Razek, head of the health care and nursing sector, the medical tests include analyses for non-communicable diseases: diabetes, high blood pressure, BMI body mass index; monitors infectious diseases including Hepatitis B and C, and HIV; and conducts analyses of blood type, Rh, and hemoglobin.
“The certified centres contain advisory rooms that offer medical consultation or advice for prospective couples. The service enjoys complete privacy and confidentiality,” Dr Abdel-Razek added.
Applicants can call the hotline 15335 or visit the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiative’s website to learn about the nearest health centre where they can undergo the pre-marriage tests.
Watani International
28 February 2023