The Hieroglyphs of Health

Ministry of Health Proposes Concession Contracts for Public-Private Partnerships: Medical Syndicate Raises Concerns

In April 2024, the Egyptian Cabinet unveiled a draft law aimed at revolutionizing the healthcare sector by granting the private sector concession contracts. These contracts would empower private entities to establish, manage, operate, and develop both new and existing public health facilities. This move was hailed as a step towards enhancing the legislative framework for healthcare investment and for engagement of the private sector in the health sector.

Shortly after, on May 1, 2024, Health Minister Abdul Ghaffar disclosed that several partnerships had already been initiated in this endeavor. These partnerships involved the management and operation of various existing health facilities. Some of the institutions included in these partnerships were Mabaret El Maadi, Heliopolis Hospital, Agouza Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Hospital, and Dar es Salaam Oncology Hospital in Hermel. Moreover, the Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to engage the private sector in delivering Ministry of Health services and establishing new healthcare facilities.

However, amidst these developments, the General Syndicate of Doctors in Egypt voiced their discontent with the Ministry's proposal. They raised concerns regarding the proposed concession contracts for public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector.

Primarily, the Syndicate argued that instead of mandating private entities to manage existing government hospitals, the state should incentivize investors to build new healthcare facilities. They stressed that the government should retain the responsibility for developing and overseeing hospitals, rather than outsourcing it to private investors.

Moreover, the Syndicate expressed apprehension about the lack of safeguards in the proposed law to protect the rights of hospital workers, including medical staff and administrators. They underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of healthcare workers in any collaborative arrangement.

Additionally, the Syndicate questioned the criteria for selecting hospitals eligible for concession contracts and highlighted the absence of clear guidelines to ensure citizens' access to healthcare services under such agreements. They cautioned against granting excessive power to foreign investors to determine staffing levels, potentially undermining local regulations and standards.

Furthermore, the Syndicate advocated for addressing any shortcomings in hospital management through capacity-building and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, rather than outsourcing management to private entities.

In conclusion, the Syndicate called for a balanced approach that encourages private sector investment in building new hospitals while preserving government oversight of existing facilities. They emphasized the importance of fair wages for healthcare workers and fostering a supportive work environment to retain talent within the country.