Monday 06/April/2026 – 11:09 PM
The Egyptian Medical Syndicate welcomes the response of Dr. Abdel Aziz Qanswa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to what was proposed regarding the inclusion of intern doctors in the health care umbrella within university hospitals, as they are an integral part of the medical system.
The union confirms that this step represents a long-awaited entitlement for intern doctors, who begin their work in a training environment that requires providing full health protection, like the rest of the medical team members.
The Syndicate also appreciates the role played by Representative Nevin Iskandar in adopting this file, and supports all parliamentary efforts aimed at improving the conditions of doctors at various stages of their careers.
The Minister of Higher Education promises to include medical excellence in health care in university hospitals
The union stresses the importance of quickly issuing the decision by the Supreme Council of Universities, and following up on the mechanisms for its implementation on the ground within all university hospitals, to ensure actual implementation without discrepancy between universities.
The Syndicate confirms its continued coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure the future inclusion of intern doctors within the health insurance system in a complete and sustainable manner.
It is noteworthy that the General Syndicate of Physicians has repeatedly called for the necessity of including intern doctors within the health insurance system, in a way that guarantees them full health protection like all other state workers. It renewed this demand in a statement issued last March 29, after the death of Dr. Hossam El-Feki, intern doctor at Ain Shams University Hospitals, who passed away after contracting meningitis, after dealing with a patient while performing his professional duty.
The union confirmed in its aforementioned statement that the intern doctor, despite being in the training stage, plays an actual role within the health system and bears daily responsibilities in preparation for assuming responsibility after the end of the training period, and receives a reward for his work. However, he remains outside the umbrella of health insurance, as he is not included as student insurance nor as an employee affiliated with an official employer.
The General Syndicate of Doctors stressed that this situation lacks the minimum level of justice, especially in light of the occupational risks and infections that intern doctors are exposed to while performing their duty. Therefore, it called on all concerned parties to quickly establish a clear legal and executive mechanism that guarantees their inclusion in the government health insurance system, to guarantee their right to treatment if they become ill or contract any serious or catastrophic disease or infection while working.
Representative Nevin Iskandar, a member of the House of Representatives, announced that she had submitted a request to the Minister of Higher Education regarding the inclusion of intern doctors within the health care umbrella.
The representative said in a statement that she greatly appreciates the quick response of the Minister, as he confirmed that he will include the matter in the decisions of the next meeting of the Supreme Council of Universities, and the emphasis on obliging all university presidents to cover intern doctors during the training period with all medical and health care services, just like university students, until they are fully included in the health insurance system as workers.
The representative extended her sincere thanks and appreciation to the head of the Medical Syndicate, Dr. Osama Abdel Hay for the serious discussions and review of the request I submitted to the Minister.
Representative Nevin Iskandar confirmed that she will continue to follow up until the decision of the Supreme Council of Universities is issued and to follow up on its implementation on the ground, in a way that guarantees the right of intern doctors to the care and protection they deserve.
