Egypt has a strong commitment to universal health care (UHC). Article 18 of the Egyptian Constitution says that the State shall establish a comprehensive health insurance system covering all diseases for all Egyptians. This PowerPoint (2016) presentation by the Egyptian Health Insurance Organization, outlines the government’s health financing strategy, identifying key areas that required reforms to move the country towards UHC.
An important strategy to overcome health financing challenges in Egypt is allocating more (at least 3 percent as stipulated by the constitution) public funds to health. The authors outline potential innovative financing including, tobacco taxes, pooled funding, strategic purchasing and a benefit package that fulfills the Egyptian population’s healthcare needs.