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In a step that reflects Ain Shams University’s commitment to its social and humanitarian role, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the university hospitals and Nile Air, aimed at supporting pediatric bone marrow transplant patients and providing them with comprehensive healthcare services.

The event was attended by Prof. Ali Al-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of Ain Shams University Hospitals. The protocol was signed by Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of the University Hospitals, and Captain Yasser Saad, Deputy CEO of Nile Air.

Both parties affirmed that this collaboration serves as a pioneering model of social responsibility and institutional synergy between academia and the private sector, aiming to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged patients and support the healthcare system more broadly.

The signing of the protocol was directed by Dr. Nasser Al-Tayyar, Chairman of the Board of Nile Air, as a reaffirmation of the importance of cooperation between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the health sector, reflecting the deep fraternal ties between the two peoples.

Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the leadership of the Faculty of Medicine and the university hospitals, as well as to all medical and administrative staff, praising their tireless efforts to provide the best possible care to patients, especially children suffering from serious illnesses that require special attention and costly treatment.

He added that easing a patient’s pain, especially that of a child, is not merely a medical duty, but a profound humanitarian responsibility that demands the utmost compassion, support, and continuous effort. Caring for the pain of childhood and the distress of families is one of the most challenging tasks faced by any healthcare system.

Dr. Mohamed Diaa stressed that this protocol exemplifies the importance of teamwork and institutional coordination and reflects the university’s belief that cooperation between various sectors is the only way to achieve a meaningful and lasting impact on patients’ lives.

He concluded his remarks by praising Nile Air’s pioneering role and their efforts in supporting this initiative, affirming that today’s signing is more than a formal agreement, it is the foundation of a partnership rooted in a noble humanitarian mission.

Prof. Ali Al-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of Ain Shams University Hospitals, extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to Nile Air, commending their role as true partners in supporting the healthcare sector. He emphasized that this collaboration is a significant step toward achieving integration between state institutions and the private sector in the service of patients.

He also expressed his pleasure at the signing of the protocol, which provides vital support to Ain Shams University Hospitals in their ongoing efforts to offer cutting-edge medical equipment and advanced treatments, particularly in the fields of hematology and oncology.

He added that this support will play a vital role in fully covering the costs of the pediatric bone marrow donation program, given its high expenses, expressing hope that this cooperation will have a tangible impact on improving treatment opportunities and saving children's lives.

Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of Ain Shams University Hospitals, emphasized that the signing of this protocol with Nile Air marks a genuine step toward saving the lives of thousands of children in need of bone marrow transplants. This will be achieved by offering the highest standards of specialized medical carefree of charge, especially considering the soaring cost of such treatments. He noted that the severe pressure on medical services reduces capacity, resulting in growing waiting lists, particularly in critical cases where delays can, unfortunately, lead to a patient’s death before receiving the necessary care—what he described as "preceding fate" due to delayed medical intervention.

He added that this partnership is part of a broader vision to realize the dream of establishing a fully integrated medical city within Ain Shams University—not only focused on treatment, but also on graduating qualified medical and scientific professionals capable of driving a qualitative shift in the healthcare sector in Egypt and the region.

The agreement includes Nile Air’s funding of the setup of two fully equipped isolation units (advanced isolation capsules) for children undergoing bone marrow transplants, with implementation and case reception to be completed within six months of the signing date.

The protocol also includes offering special discounts on airline tickets for faculty members and for critical cases requiring treatment abroad. Additionally, a salary donation window will be set up for Nile Air employees to support the hospital, along with providing promotional space for the hospital in the company’s magazine and digital platforms.

As part of community awareness efforts, the protocol stipulates that Ain Shams University Hospitals will organize a series of health education seminars for Nile Air staff to promote health awareness.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Hanan Ibrahim, Head of the Pediatrics Department; Prof. Yasmeen Gamal, Director of the Children’s Hospital; Mr. Ahmed Orabi, Chief Commercial Officer of Nile Air; as well as several physicians and company staff.

To conclude the event, both sides exchanged commemorative shields between Ain Shams University Hospitals and Nile Air, in recognition of the efforts that contributed to the success of this fruitful collaboration. Additionally, the company presented commemorative shields to Prof. Ali Al-Anwar and Prof. Tarek Youssef, in appreciation of their leadership roles in advancing medical services and promoting community partnerships.