On March 24, 2025, the General Assembly of the Council of Representatives, led by Counselor Hanafi Jabali, witnessed a significant debate regarding medical responsibility in Egypt. The focal point of the discussion was Article 20 of the proposed law, which aims to establish a government insurance fund to secure against damages resulting from medical errors. The assembly agreed on the proposal put forth by Representative Irene Saeed, emphasizing that coverage should be targeted at government resources and not simply an additional burden for medical professionals.
As outlined in the approved Article 20, a government insurance fund will be created to compensate for damages arising from medical errors, either directly or through agreements with one or more insurance companies certified by the General Authority for Financial Supervision. Dr. Ayman Abu El-Ela, a prominent figure in the Human Rights Committee, accentuated the fund's significance, stating, "The establishment of a medical insurance fund that mitigates the resulting damages is an important matter." However, he raised concerns regarding the potential burdens of settlements, fines, and compensations that might be shouldered by healthcare providers.
Abu El-Ela urged that the details concerning these responsibilities be clearly defined in the council's records, emphasizing the necessity for the fund to address compensation and fines comprehensively. Similarly, Dr. Ashraf Hatem, the head of the Health Affairs Committee, reiterated that the government insurance fund would eventually support all doctors operating in Egypt, irrespective of their nationality. He stated, "There is no objection for the funds to bear the criminal fines and compensations, unless the matter is related to practical training," thus highlighting the complexity involved in medical training contexts.
In addition to the insurance fund discussions, the assembly also approved Article 7 of the draft law, which stipulates the prerequisites for conducting surgical operations. The article emphasizes that, barring emergency situations, procedures must be contingent upon specific conditions. This stipulative directive includes ensuring that the surgeon is appropriately qualified for the operation, based on relevant specialization, experience, and accreditation from the Egyptian Health Council.
Moreover, obtaining informed consent from patients is vital, and where impossible, a medical report from a qualified physician confirming the necessity of the procedure suffices for operations to proceed. The assembly agreed to amend the wording in these provisions to make them clearer and more consistent, reflecting an ongoing dedication to not only legislative precision but also patient safety.
During the deliberations, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the Minister of Health, reinforced the importance of these regulations for maintaining patient safety. He conveyed a thoughtful example, stating: "This is an important paragraph to ensure the patient's safety. If a patient suffers from a condition necessitating pre-operative tests and those are not performed, resulting in complications, this could be detrimental." His comments underscored the ministry's commitment to uphold healthcare standards across the board, emphasizing that regulations are not simply bureaucratic concerns but critical safeguards.
The debate was further informed by the need to navigate the nuances of compliance regarding surgical practice. The assembly fully considers the implications of other proposed amendments, such as specific provisions ensuring that healthcare facilities engage in appropriate assessments prior to surgical interventions. While some proposals did not gain traction, including narrow definitions of facilities eligible to undertake such operations, the government's acceptance of moving critical provisions into more general legislative articles marks a collaborative achievement in operational safety.
The Council of Representatives remains committed to enhancing legislation surrounding medical responsibility, guaranteeing protections for both patients and practitioners alike. As discussions progress, the establishment of the proposed medical insurance fund and the operational training guidelines are pivotal in shaping Egypt's healthcare landscape. These efforts reflect a government eager to mitigate medical errors and ensure that all surgical operations are performed under stringent safety and ethical guidelines.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions within the Council of Representatives signify an important shift towards increased accountability and safety within Egypt’s healthcare system. With the formulation of a government insurance fund to cover medical errors and a legislative framework establishing conditions for surgical operations, the government underscores its commitment to patient rights and medical professional support. As these laws come into effect, their successful implementation will depend on effective oversight and adherence to established regulations.
