Le système de santé égyptien est constitué de deux secteurs : le public et le privé. De manière générale, la qualité du système de services de santé publics est faible en raison du manque de financement et de personnel. L’investissement du gouvernement dans le système de santé public est faible puisqu'il ne représente que 1,5 % du PIB. Il existe des différences importantes en matière d’accessibilité des services de santé entre les établissements de base dans les zones rurales et ceux situés dans les grandes villes telles que Le Caire. La plupart des procédures spécialisées s’effectuent dans la capitale.
Les services de santé en Égypte
Comprendre les principes de base
Êtes-vous basé en Égypte?
Solutions d'assurance santé internationale pour particuliers conçues spécifiquement pour les expatriés et les ressortissants locaux qui vivent en Égypte.
Les services de santé publics
Although there have been attempts by the Egyptian government to reform public healthcare, the system is still substandard and almost certainly not on par with anything that a Western expat would be accustomed to. Even though it is provided free of charge to locals and potentially to expats, many Egyptians avoid public hospitals due to factors such as outdated equipment, long queues for treatment, inadequately trained staff and poor sanitation levels.
Les services de santé privés
Private healthcare facilities in Egypt are of a high standard, and medical staff are used to treating foreign nationals. Expats can also opt for insurance that covers evacuation to a different country with better medical facilities for more specialised care. Communicating in English won’t be an issue, as medical staff in private healthcare are generally bilingual.
Les pharmacies et les médicaments
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Egypt. Larger chains, such as El Ezaby, operate 24-hour services while the majority of pharmacies also provide home delivery, which can be arranged over the phone or online. International brands of medications are not always available in Egypt, so expats should do some research into local equivalents before relocating.
Les risques sanitaires en Égypte
Expats often need some time to acclimatise to the searing temperatures in Egypt. It is vital to stay well hydrated, but poor sanitation is a risk so it is best to avoid tap water and rather opt for bottled water instead.
Egypt is said to have one of the highest hepatitis C rates in the world, and tuberculosis is also a threat, though less serious than a decade ago. Rabies is a problem in parts of Egypt, and getting the vaccination, particularly for children as they are most often victims of rabies, is recommended.
For those travellers who have respiratory issues, the dense air pollution in Cairo caused by traffic congestion and industrial sites can be problematic.
Routine vaccinations are recommended, including ones for hepatitis A, typhoid, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella, polio and influenza, as well as for Covid-19.
Les services d’urgence et les numéros importants
Expats should dial 123 in case of emergencies. Heavy traffic as well as congested medical facilities can mean it may be difficult for emergency services to arrive speedily.