Health care
The Egyptian healthcare system consists of two sectors: public and private. In general, the public healthcare system is of a low standard due to a lack of funding and poor staffing levels. Government investment in the public healthcare system is low, at just 1.5 percent of the country’s GDP. There are significant differences between the availability of health services in the basic institutions in rural areas and those found in a big city like Cairo. Most specialist procedures are carried out in the capital.
Although public healthcare has been subject to the government’s attempts at reform, the system is of a poor quality and certainly not on par with anything that a Western expat would be accustomed too. Even though it is provided free of charge to locals and potentially to expats, many Egyptians avoid public hospitals due to factors such as outdated equipment, long queues for treatment, inadequate staff training and poor sanitation levels.
Private healthcare facilities in Egypt are of a high standard, with medical staff used to treating foreign nationals. Expats can also opt for insurance options that cover evacuation to a different country, with even more advanced and specialized medical care. Communicating in English won’t be an issue, as medical staff, doctors and nurses are generally bilingual. Pharmacies are widely available throughout Egypt. Larger chains, such as El Ezaby, even operate 24-hour services while the majority of pharmacies also provide home delivery, which can be arranged over the phone. International brands of medications are not always available in Egypt so expats should do some research into local equivalents before relocating.
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