Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt's Minister of Health and Population, inaugurated a comprehensive stroke unit at the New Administrative Capital Hospital as part of government efforts to upgrade the healthcare system. The unit received Diamond Status accreditation from the World Stroke Organization before its official opening. This launch falls under Egypt's National Stroke Network to ensure equitable nationwide coverage.
On Tuesday, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar inaugurated a comprehensive stroke unit at the New Administrative Capital Hospital, describing it as the "crown jewel" of the first phase of healthcare expansion plans. The minister stated that the unit serves as a leading model in stroke care and earned Diamond Status accreditation from the World Stroke Organization (WSO) prior to its opening—the highest international recognition for excellence in the field.
The unit functions through an integrated care pathway, encompassing emergency services, CT and MRI imaging, thrombolytic therapy (RTPA), interventional neuroradiology procedures such as brain catheterisation, and rehabilitation and physiotherapy to enable rapid diagnosis and timely intervention.
Abdel Ghaffar explained that the launch aligns with Egypt's National Stroke Network, a strategic initiative to provide equitable and comprehensive stroke care coverage nationwide. Egypt currently operates 175 stroke units—113 primary and 62 comprehensive—including 95 units outside the Ministry of Health, affiliated with universities, the private sector, and state institutions like the Ministries of Defence and Interior, Civil Aviation, and the Suez Canal Authority.
The national gap stands at around 440 units, with a target of 265 to achieve fair geographic distribution, particularly in Upper Egypt and border governorates. To date, 58 centers have received accreditation based on 11 national criteria developed in cooperation with the WSO. A unified treatment guideline has also been established, covering the full patient pathway from emergency admission to rehabilitation and follow-up.
During his visit, the minister inspected the emergency department, intensive care unit, radiology department, catheterisation control room, and rehabilitation gym. He instructed officials to connect stroke services to a dedicated hotline or digital application to speed up emergency responses and emphasized the need for regular equipment maintenance.
Following the inauguration, Abdel Ghaffar chaired a meeting of the Supreme Committee of the National Stroke Network at the hospital. He stressed expanding public awareness and prevention efforts regarding stroke and its risk factors, while ensuring facilities are equipped for immediate emergency interventions. He called saving a stroke patient and restoring them to normal life a "human and national duty," adding that every newly constructed or upgraded hospital in Egypt will include a specialized stroke unit.
The minister positioned the National Stroke Network as one of Egypt's flagship healthcare reform initiatives, aimed at nationwide coverage and equitable access. He highlighted human capital as central to its success, advocating for enhanced training programs through Egypt's medical fellowship system and continuous professional development. Abdel Ghaffar urged ongoing coordination among committee members and relevant authorities, reaffirming full government support for the network's expansion and future growth.