Egypt has raised the readiness of its healthcare system to receive wounded and ill patients from Gaza, placing 150 hospitals nationwide on high alert and mobilising up to 300 fully equipped ambulances, the Ministry of Health said on Monday. Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar chaired a high-level coordination meeting to oversee preparations for the reception of patients arriving through the Rafah crossing, as cross-border medical evacuations resume. Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said the discussions focused on activating Egypt’s national emergency health services plan and strengthening readiness across healthcare facilities to respond to urgent humanitarian and medical developments. A 24-hour central control room is operating to coordinate efforts, linked to 27 emergency units within health directorates and more than 90 medical points and emergency hospitals nationwide, ensuring swift decision-making and effective coordination. According to the spokesperson, the emergency plan aligns with World Health Organization standards and international humanitarian Sphere benchmarks, exceeding some minimum global indicators and reflecting Egypt’s capacity to respond to large-scale humanitarian crises.

Source: Daily News Egypt February 02, 2026 19:11 UTC