Egypt’s Medical Tourism Surges 200% In 2024, Attracting 12,000 Patients

January 26, 2025

 

Around 12,000 medical tourists from 50 countries received care in Egypt’s healthcare facilities in 2024, marking a 200% increase from a year earlier, according to Ahmed El Sobky, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Egypt Healthcare Authority.

This marks a five-fold increase from 2022, reflecting growing confidence in Egypt’s healthcare services. El Sobky believes this trend will further solidify the country’s position as a leading destination for medical tourism, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Cabinet in January.

El Sobky noted that the “We Care for You in Egypt” initiative aims to establish Egypt as a leading destination for high-quality healthcare services, positioning the country on the global medical tourism map and attracting patients from various nationalities. He emphasized that the project seeks to generate sustainable economic returns through foreign currency inflows by offering comprehensive medical services.

Growing medical tourism

As part of this initiative, Egypt is designing tailored medical packages that cater specifically to the needs of foreign patients. The program also encourages international collaboration to exchange medical knowledge and expertise, enhancing the country’s reputation in the global healthcare arena.

The project is structured around four main pillars to ensure the delivery of innovative and comprehensive healthcare services. The first pillar focuses on improving hospital operations and securing international accreditation for healthcare facilities.

El Sobky highlighted the accreditation of Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital and the Ismailia Medical Complex by the Joint Commission International (JCI) as successful examples of this approach.

The second pillar focuses on innovative health marketing, including competitive medical packages and digital marketing through social media and international platforms.

The third pillar aims to build a network connecting international insurance companies, medical tourism agencies, and private hospitals, offering diverse healthcare options for foreign patients. The fourth pillar ensures continuous monitoring of services, with an emphasis on patient satisfaction and pricing to maintain quality and sustainability. El Sobky stressed that these four pillars are key to solidifying Egypt’s leadership in medical tourism.

A note published by Egypt’s Healthcare Authority in April 2024 revealed that the “We Care for You in Egypt” project has driven a remarkable 700% increase in foreign revenue. Additionally, 25,000 training programs for healthcare personnel were launched in these regions.

The article also referenced popular medical procedures, including cosmetic surgery, dental care, orthopedic treatments, and Hepatitis C treatment, which foreign patients commonly seek.

Top facilities catering to medical tourists include Cairo University Hospital, Ain Shams University Hospital, Alexandria University Hospital, and the Aswan Heart Centre. The report also provided approximate prices for various procedures: cosmetic surgery ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, dental implants priced between $400 and $1,200, and orthopedic treatments costing between $6,000 and $15,000.

In the 2020-2021 Medical Tourism Index, Egypt ranked 26th out of 46 global destinations, underscoring the country’s growing influence in medical tourism.

International Medical Tourism Conference

In March 2024, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly officially opened the International Medical Tourism Conference in the New Administrative Capital. The two-day event highlighted the progress and success of Egypt’s medical tourism sector and showcased the country’s commitment to enhancing its healthcare infrastructure.

During the conference, El Sobky highlighted the strength of Egypt’s healthcare facilities, which are equipped with state-of-the-art medical and technological advancements. He pointed out that the country’s competitive pricing and partnerships with over 20 medical insurance companies have significantly boosted international confidence in Egypt’s healthcare capabilities.

El Sobky also shared that Egypt welcomed 6,000 foreign, Arab, and African tourists from 23 countries, who sought healthcare and treatment at accredited hospitals through the “We Care for You in Egypt” program as stated in a release issued by the cabinet on 2 March 2024

Looking ahead, he mentioned plans for a strategic collaboration with the Health Accreditation and Control Authority to accredit Egypt’s healthcare facilities with GAHAR TEMOS, ensuring that the country is fully prepared to meet all the requirements of medical tourism.

Major source of revenue

Tourism is a major source of revenue for Egypt, playing a key role in the country’s economy alongside sectors like oil and gas. In recent years, tourism has contributed billions of dollars, attracting millions of visitors to its historical sites, beaches, and cultural landmarks. As one of the top foreign currency earners, tourism supports employment and infrastructure development. Despite geopolitical instability and global crises, it has remained a vital pillar of Egypt’s economy.

According to the Central Bank of Egypt’s Balance of Payments report, tourism revenues reached $14.4 billion in FY 2023/2024, up from $13.6 billion the previous year. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities also reported on January 7, 2025, that Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists in 2024.