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Egypt is moving to strengthen its organ transplant program with new rules, tighter oversight, and improved standards to meet international medical practices. The country’s Supreme Committee for Organ Transplantation held a key meeting to review ongoing procedures, address challenges, and introduce fresh regulations. The Ministry of Health announced this on Monday, stressing that the reforms will help protect patients and donors while improving trust in the system.
According to Health Ministry spokesperson, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, one major outcome of the meeting was the introduction of a new regulation that limits the validity of transplant approvals to just one year. This means hospitals and patients must renew approvals if the operation is not done within that period. In addition, each transplant program will now be tied to one specific licensed medical facility to avoid misuse or malpractice.
Egypt has been working hard in recent years to position itself as a regional hub for medical services, but officials say the sector needs stronger governance. The new measures are expected to reduce irregularities and improve accountability in the country’s health system. Abdel Ghaffar explained that the government is also setting up specialized subcommittees to tackle issues such as misinformation spreading on social media, which often discourages people from considering organ donation.
The committee shared data showing the scale of transplant activities. In 2024, it issued 1,614 approvals for transplants, with 1,194 for kidney operations and 420 for liver procedures. Out of these, 1,271 transplants were carried out successfully. This included 764 kidney and 234 liver transplants for Egyptian patients, as well as 188 kidney and 85 liver transplants for non-Egyptians who came to Egypt for treatment. In 2025, 907 approvals have already been given, with 677 for kidneys and 230 for livers.
Egypt currently has 40 licensed transplant centers operating across the country. These include public hospitals, university hospitals, private institutions, police hospitals, and military hospitals. In 2024, the committee renewed licenses for 14 liver centers and 18 kidney centers. It also gave approval for five new hospitals under licensing decision No. 124. Officials confirmed that random inspections will continue at these facilities to ensure standards are met. Where violations are discovered, immediate corrective measures will be taken.
Another key issue discussed at the meeting was the review of mortality and morbidity data. This is to help identify risks, strengthen safety, and improve survival rates for patients undergoing transplants. The committee also highlighted specific cases, such as a 62-year-old father who successfully donated a kidney to his son. This procedure was carried out under Cabinet Decree No. 74 of 2023 and in line with Egypt’s Organ Transplant Law No. 5 of 2010.
Health experts say these steps are vital in ensuring Egypt’s transplant program meets global medical and ethical standards. Officials also emphasized the need for updated legislation to further safeguard both donors and recipients. Organ transplantation remains a sensitive field that requires strong monitoring to prevent abuse or illegal practices.
The Supreme Committee for Organ Transplantation was established in 2023 under Decree No. 4497 and is chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Health, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar. The committee also includes high-profile medical experts such as world-renowned heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub. It is supported by several subcommittees focusing on science, ethics, and licensing. Their task is to ensure Egypt continues to improve medical services and achieve international benchmarks in health care.
With these latest reforms, Egypt is aiming to boost public confidence in organ donation, attract more medical tourism, and improve overall health services. Officials believe that stricter oversight will not only protect lives but also help the country build a stronger and more transparent health system.
