Health Ministry Reports Screening of Over 22 Million Citizens for Kidney Disease

The Ministry of Health and Population has announced that it has screened 22,154,398 citizens across the country as part of the presidential initiative aimed at early detection and treatment of chronic diseases and kidney disease since its launch in September 2021.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the ministry’s official spokesperson, explained that the initiative is implemented through 3,601 primary healthcare units nationwide. It targets citizens over the age of 40, as well as younger individuals aged 18 and above who have risk factors or a medical history related to chronic diseases. The goal is early detection and provision of comprehensive healthcare free of charge.

The initiative includes tests for blood pressure, random and cumulative blood sugar levels, fat percentages, kidney function, and body mass index. It also offers health awareness sessions and regular follow-up programs. Patients diagnosed with conditions receive free monthly medications, while cases requiring specialized intervention are referred to hospitals at state expense.

Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that the initiative adheres to the latest scientific guidelines in collaboration with the World Health Organization, including ongoing training for medical staff to ensure accurate testing and immediate referrals, achieving real integration between primary and advanced healthcare services.

The spokesperson urged citizens, particularly those with high blood pressure or diabetes or a family history of such conditions, to visit their nearest primary healthcare unit to benefit from the services offered by the initiative for free. He reiterated that early detection remains the best way to avoid complications and that citizen health is a top priority for the state.