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Medical Emergencies in
Egypt
Travelers are always worried about medical emergencies
they might face in a foreign country. Such worry is always
exaggerated when the destination is to a non-Western
country. These are usually exaggerated by a false image some
people have in their mind about Egypt.
Apart from the historical background of medicine during
the ancient and middle ages, medical practice in Egypt has
always enjoyed a good reputation in the modern era. Numerous
physicians graduating from Egyptian faculties of medicine
have a high standard of knowledge worldwide. Students from
all over the Arab countries and Africa come to learn
medicine, on both under and postgraduate levels. One of the
best examples of Egyptian physicians is Sir Magdy Yacoub,
the famous cardiac surgeon who graduated from Cairo
University. Sir Magdy is currently practicing in UK, and was
the first non-British to be knighted by the Queen of
England.
The major worry of a visitor is his need for
hospitalization in case of an accident or emergency. Modern
hospitals are abundant all over the country, both in
governmental and private sectors. Governmental hospitals in
general, and university hospitals in particular, enjoy a
high standard of modern equipment and efficient staff
members. On the other hand, numerous private practices are
not inferior, with some of them quite near to Western
standards. These are also supported by the vast clinical and
academic experience of university staff members, who work
there as part-timers. In deserted places were medical
facilities might be lagging; a major medical emergency is
supported by the government. Frequently victims are
transported from the scene of a major accident by helicopter
to highly specialized centers in Cairo.
Hospitalization in most general hospitals, particularly
in emergencies, are free of charge. However, a visitor is
always advised to seek a private one, which are still
strictly supervised by the health authorities. Hospital
charges vary according to different standards, but in
general the cost is much less than one would expect at home.
It is illegal for a private hospital to reject or transfer
any emergency case for financial reasons.
Once a patient is admitted to a private hospital in
Egypt, a professor or consultant is immediately assigned to
handle the case. The physician is fully responsible for his
patient throughout the hospital stay, and is also
responsible for coordination with any other colleague of
different specialty, if needed.
The choice of the hospital and the consultant in charge
might be confusing to a visitor. It is advised to leave this
choice to the hotel physician. Most hotels have a resident
junior doctor, or at least quick access to several
consultants, who can be reached any time through mobile
(cellular) phones. Also, embassies usually have contracts
with physicians. Contacting the embassy is advised, as its
personnel might also review the hospital charges.
In less severe conditions, when a guest needs medical
attention beyond the capacity of the hotel physician, he
would be directed to private clinics or polyclinics. Almost
all physicians run private practices off office hours.
Sometimes an appointment is required beforehand, but usually
the physician would be very considerate. Consultation fees
are variable, with the most expensive being for university
staff members. A professor would charge between 100-150 L.E.
(1 $US = 3.4 L.E. average) in Cairo. Consultants and
specialists (ministry of health physicians) charge less, and
prices are less in other cities. Another source to seek
consultation are hospitals. A visitor is advised to avoid
public ones, and head for the private.
Another worry for a visitor would be his medication,
whether regular or incidental ones. Since most international
pharmaceutical companies have offices in Egypt practically
no drug is unavailable. However a visitor is always advised
to carry on him any medicine he regularly uses. Owing to the
variability of trade names between different countries, one
should not expect his medicine to be labeled the same as he
uses it back home. A record of the generic name of the drug
is sometimes required. Since most commonly needed medication
(as heart medicine and Insulin) have the same trade name
worldwide, the problem is rarely encountered. However, some
anti-hypertensives might have different names. A qualified
pharmacist is always available in his pharmacy (drug store)
for help, with no extra fees for this service. All drugs
have fixed prices by the government. One only pays what is
labeled on the box.
There are no custom restrictions for medication.
Moreover, on the occasion of unexpected consumption or loss
of the drug, a visitor can enjoy one of the pitfalls of the
system. Drugs are available in pharmacies without the strict
need of a prescription, except in hypnotics and narcotics.
Pharmacies are abundant everywhere. They are easily spotted
by the sign of a red crescent, sometimes with a red cross
inside.
Visitors are advised to avoid consumption of certain
types of food. Though tap water in Egypt is drinkable,
foreigners are advised to use bottled water. The amount of
minerals and the degree of water hardness vary among
different countries, and diarrhea might result. Mineral
water is available everywhere, and a one liter bottle is
around 1.50 L.E. (less than $US ½).
During a Nile cruise, one should avoid the temptation of
the traditional saying "whoever drinks the Nile water
is sure come back again". The Nile is a habitat of a
certain parasite named "Bilharzia" or "Shistosoma".
One of the stages of its life cycle may be transmitted to
human through direct drinking or swimming in the Nile,
particularly near the shore, and causes a serious chronic
disease. One can enjoy the legend by drinking a small gulp
of tap water, which initially comes from the Nile after
purification.
All restaurants licensed to serve food are strictly
supervised by the health authorities. However, one should be
aware that certain types of traditional food (especially if
invited to a house in the countryside) are of a high fatty
component. Over consumption of those might lead to diarrhea.
Smoking "sheesha" is fairly popular among low
classes, and has recently become a fashion to be served in
touristic places for fun. Though the amount of tobacco-like
material at such places is usually very mild, one has to
keep in mind that he is smoking without a filter. Never
forget to use a disposable plastic mouthpiece.
Hopefully, your visit will be fulfilled without any
trouble. In case of any mis-happening, always remember that
a guest in Egypt is treated like a V.I.P. People are always
very happy when asked for help, and even volunteer to do so.
Wishing you a happy and enjoyable visit.
Picture: Dar el-Fouad (Heart House). One of the recently
built hospitals in "Sixth of October City" – 32
Km from Cairo center (very close to the Giza Pyramids). |
