Sweden Strengthens Healthcare Ties with Egypt Through Swedish-Egyptian Healthcare Partnership Event
By Doaa Mohamed
A Swedish healthcare delegation visited Cairo to explore opportunities for supporting Egypt’s healthcare reforms. The event marked a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries in the healthcare sector.
Highlights
1. Swedish Healthcare Delegation Visits Cairo
2. Egyptian-Swedish Healthcare Partnership Event
3. Keynote Remarks by Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar
4. High-Level Discussions
5. Sweden’s Commitment to Supporting Egypt’s Reforms
6. Key Swedish Companies in Attendance
7. Focus on Sustainable Healthcare
8. Future Meetings with Egyptian Authorities
9. Long-Term Partnership Goals
Swedish-Egyptian Healthcare Partnership Event
The Swedish Embassy in Cairo, along with Business Sweden (the Swedish Trade and Investment Council), hosted the Swedish-Egyptian Healthcare Partnership event. The occasion coincided with the visit of a Swedish healthcare delegation aimed at exploring expanded cooperation with Egypt in the healthcare sector.
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, delivered the opening remarks at the event. The event featured high-level panel discussions led by Stefan G. Humbert, World Bank Director, and Massoud Bayouki, Director at Business Sweden. Discussions revolved around Egypt’s healthcare reforms, the role of international financial institutions, and the private sector’s contributions to the healthcare system in Egypt. Swedish healthcare companies also discussed how their innovative solutions and expertise could support Egypt’s healthcare reform agenda, particularly in the implementation of universal health insurance.
Key Stakeholders and Collaborations
The event attracted major stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academic institutions, and international financial organizations, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). These stakeholders discussed how they could collaboratively support Egypt in advancing its ongoing healthcare reforms.
H.E. Håkan Emsgård, Swedish Ambassador to Egypt, emphasized the significance of the event, stating: “The synergies between Sweden’s advanced healthcare solutions and Egypt’s healthcare reform initiatives are clear. Swedish companies are well-positioned to support Egypt in its reform efforts, and their expertise aligns perfectly with Egypt’s initiatives to improve hospital infrastructure, enhance healthcare delivery, and create substantial opportunities for collaboration in service delivery and knowledge exchange. The Swedish government is committed to strengthening these partnerships and has a range of financing mechanisms available to support technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in the healthcare sector. As this visit progresses, we aim to establish long-term partnerships that will improve healthcare access and unlock economic opportunities in the sector.”
Egypt’s Healthcare Reform Agenda
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, emphasized that investment is the cornerstone of any nation’s progress. Investment drives economic growth, creates jobs, and improves the quality of life for all citizens. He pointed out that Egypt, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic location, presents a unique opportunity for investors, particularly in healthcare.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Sweden’s healthcare innovations, strong private sector, and sustainable development approach align with Egypt’s healthcare reform agenda. These areas include green healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, digital health services, and advanced research—all of which support Egyptian-Swedish investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and technology.
Sweden’s Commitment to Partnership
Massoud Bayouki, Business Sweden’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted Sweden’s commitment, stating: “By combining our strengths, we aim to support the country’s capacities and positively impact the lives of its citizens. Sweden is dedicated to being a reliable partner in Egypt’s ongoing healthcare reforms, enhancing infrastructure, and improving outcomes for the Egyptian people.”
During the visit, the Swedish delegation held meetings with key Egyptian authorities, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Dr. Ahmed El Sobky (Head of Egypt’s Healthcare Authority), Dr. Bahaa Eldin Zidan (Head of the Unified Procurement Authority), and Dr. Ali El Ghamrawy (Head of Egypt’s Drug Authority).
Swedish Delegation Highlights
The Swedish delegation included leading companies in the healthcare sector, such as AstraZeneca (a biopharmaceutical company), Elekta (specializing in cancer radiation therapy), Getinge (focused on operating rooms and intensive care systems), Arjo (improving patient mobility), Skåne Care (healthcare consultancy and hospital infrastructure), and GHP (managing specialized diagnostic clinics).
Additionally, the delegation included Swedfund (Sweden’s development finance institution) and the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN). Professor Johan Carlson, former head of the Swedish Public Health Agency and Senior Health Advisor, was also part of the delegation to share his expertise with Egyptian counterparts.
Looking Ahead to Stronger Collaboration
The visit highlights the growing partnership between Sweden and Egypt in healthcare, with both nations committed to working together to improve healthcare access and drive innovation in the sector. The ongoing collaboration promises long-term benefits for healthcare delivery and economic growth in Egypt.
