The Egyptian House of Representatives has recently made a significant stride towards improving medical responsibility and patient safety. On March 24, 2025, during a session led by Speaker Hanafi Jabali, the House approved a comprehensive draft law, which encompasses articles 2 to 24, aimed at defining the obligations of medical service providers and establishing stringent protocols to ensure better healthcare practices.
Among the core components of this legislation are provisions that delineate the duties of medical practitioners to maintain integrity, accuracy, and adherence to established scientific principles in their practice. Specifically, Article 2 of the law mandates that all medical professionals practice their craft with the utmost commitment to personal safety and care for the patients they serve, following both national and international safety standards.
Article 3 establishes a critical principle: medical liability arises from any errors that cause harm to patients. Notably, it prohibits any agreements that might excuse or mitigate a medical provider's responsibility prior to the occurrence of harm. This ensures that accountability for medical errors is unequivocally maintained.
The recently approved law also insists on accurate documentation of each patient's medical history prior to diagnosis and treatment initiation. It details that practitioners must use medically appropriate and safe devices, and they must effectively inform patients about their health condition, potential treatment complications, and secure their informed consent before proceeding with any interventions.
Crucially, the law mandates cooperation among various healthcare providers involved in a patient's care, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated treatment strategies. It also requires reporting any suspected cases of infectious diseases to the relevant authorities, in compliance with public health regulations established by Law No. 137 of 1958.
During the discussions, some representatives expressed concerns over gender dynamics in patient care. Representative Irene Sa'id emphasized the need for a medical team member of the same gender as the patient during examinations, stating, "The presence of a woman of the same type increases reassurance for women." This sentiment highlighted the importance of patient comfort during medical procedures.
However, Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar countered that imposing such requirements could complicate medical practice, arguing, "The aim is to enumerate individuals with the patient during disclosure," and stressing the importance of maintaining a streamlined process in emergency situations.
In response to concerns about medical errors, the law further establishes a government insurance fund intended to help cover damages resulting from medical mistakes. This fund will operate under the supervision of the General Authority for Health Insurance and is seen as a vital measure to protect both patients and healthcare professionals. It aims to ensure that financial burdens from medical errors are managed effectively.
Reflecting on the passage of the law, Speaker Jabali remarked, "Congratulations to all ... this amendment is for everyone’s benefit, including doctors and patients," signifying a collective win for healthcare accountability in Egypt.
The aim of this thorough legislation is clear: to foster a safer medical environment through defined responsibilities, transparency, and accountability, thereby reinforcing the trust and safety of patients as they navigate their healthcare journeys.
In conclusion, these new regulations represent a critical advancement in protecting patients while also holding providers accountable for their actions. The comprehensive nature of the law addresses previous gaps in medical liability, ensuring that patients' rights are safeguarded and that healthcare practices are aligned with established standards of safety and ethical responsibility.
