Banque Misr and GAHAR Sign Strategic Protocol to Finance Medical Facilities under Universal Health Insurance System
In a significant move to bolster Egypt’s healthcare infrastructure, Banque Misr has signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol with the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR). The agreement aims to provide specialized financial solutions to medical facilities—including clinics, medical centers, and hospitals—to help them meet the stringent quality standards required for integration into the country’s Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system. The protocol was signed by Hisham Okasha, CEO of Banque Misr, and Dr. Ahmed Taha, Chairman of GAHAR, marking a critical step in aligning financial services with national health objectives.
The partnership focuses on offering accessible financing programs that enable healthcare providers to upgrade their facilities and acquire state-of-the-art medical equipment. By addressing the capital requirements of small and medium-sized medical enterprises, the protocol ensures that private and public facilities can achieve the accreditation levels mandated by GAHAR. This initiative is designed not only to facilitate entry into the UHI framework but also to improve the overall quality of medical services provided to Egyptian citizens, consistent with the Central Bank of Egypt’s broader directives to support the healthcare and SME sectors.
Hisham Okasha, CEO of Banque Misr, emphasized that the protocol reflects the bank's commitment to supporting vital economic sectors and its proactive role in national development. He noted that by providing innovative financing tools, Banque Misr is empowering medical establishments to modernize their services and contribute to the success of the Universal Health Insurance system. This support is viewed as a strategic investment in the nation’s human capital, as it directly translates into improved healthcare accessibility and operational efficiency across the medical landscape.
Dr. Ahmed Taha, Chairman of GAHAR, described the collaboration as a strategic pillar for the health sector's transition toward global quality benchmarks. He highlighted that the financing will be guided by detailed technical assessments of each facility's actual needs, ensuring that capital is deployed effectively to drive measurable improvements in clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the protocol includes dedicated training and qualification programs for medical staff, fostering a sustainable partnership between the financial and healthcare sectors to achieve health equity and enhance the competitiveness of Egypt’s healthcare system.