Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Efforts in May 2026

Ministry of Health and Population.

The Ministry of Health and Population has announced the achievements and medical services provided by the Central Administration for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment during May 2026, as part of its ongoing development plans aimed at enhancing service quality in line with international standards and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the ministry’s official spokesperson, reported that outpatient addiction treatment clinics received 19,117 visitors, bringing the total number of individuals benefiting from addiction treatment services to 20,177. The mental health support hotline received 4,783 calls, including 4,569 actual calls divided between 1,645 males and 2,924 females. These calls included 2,448 inquiries and 2,099 psychological consultations, among which were 201 emergency cases.

On the digital front, the National Electronic Mental Health Platform recorded 8,077 new visitors in May alone, raising the total number of visitors since its launch to 138,586. Additionally, there were 331 virtual sessions and 1,112 surveys conducted. The “Oasis” psychological support clinics provided 57 therapeutic and virtual sessions for both children and adults. Community health units conducted 1,308 home visits to patients from 17 psychiatric hospitals nationwide, while 795 women visited women’s health clinics.

Dr. Ayman Abbas, head of the Central Administration for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, noted that field inspection tours were conducted across several hospitals to ensure maximum readiness in anticipation of Eid al-Adha and to monitor service availability and patient safety.

In terms of expansion and infrastructure development, a physical therapy clinic was opened at Sohag Hospital along with a drug information center at Beni Suef Hospital. Ongoing projects were monitored at hospitals in Heliopolis, Khanka, Al-Mamoura, and Mahalla al-Kubra. The site for Mahalla Hospital was handed over along with the provision of 20 advanced ambulances in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

The number of special centers under the national observatory has increased by three new centers, bringing the total to 189 centers. Additionally, five new “Azima” centers have been added to make a total of ten across the country.

In capacity building efforts, the administration conducted 18 general training courses and 12 online courses for nursing staff benefiting a total of 250 nurses. Drug screening campaigns included testing for drugs among 2,822 drivers and 4,036 employees.

The administration concluded May with community awareness campaigns held in places of worship while intensifying preparations for launching the seasonal campaign “Eid Without It” aimed at protecting individuals struggling with addiction and those recovering.

The Ministry of Health and Population reaffirms its commitment to enhancing mental health services and addiction treatment while protecting citizen health and promoting community awareness.