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Ain Shams University hospitals are witnessing significant medical and organizational development within the “Medical City” project, which aims to improve health, educational and research services, most notably the Stroke Unit, which is considered an advanced model in dealing with one of the most serious health challenges in Egypt and the world, according to what medical and administrative leaders confirmed during a special episode of the “Med Follow Health” program.

Dr. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of Ain Shams University Hospitals, stated that the medical city project is not a recent development, but rather a dream that began in 2015. It underwent meticulous planning and implementation phases until it received approval from the political leadership to transform Ain Shams University Hospitals into a comprehensive medical city. He explained that the project is based on three main pillars: upgrading the infrastructure of existing hospitals, renovating and modernizing inpatient wards, and constructing new buildings and departments that keep pace with global medical advancements. He noted that the project is currently about 80% complete, with several vital hospitals and projects nearing completion, including the new emergency hospital, the development of outpatient clinics, and the central blood bank.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed El-Basyouni, Director of the Stroke Unit at Ain Shams University Hospitals, affirmed that stroke represents a major health challenge, being the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death. He noted that Egypt records approximately 250,000 stroke cases annually.

He explained that the state has exerted significant efforts in recent years through presidential public health initiatives, which have contributed to raising awareness and promoting early detection of chronic diseases that can cause strokes, such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Al-Basyouni added that the stroke unit at Ain Shams University is the first of its kind at the level of university hospitals in Egypt, as it was established in 1995, and has witnessed great development in equipment and technologies, to become an integrated unit that includes dedicated intensive care, the latest catheterization and imaging devices supported by artificial intelligence, in addition to applying the concept of “Comprehensive Stroke Unit”, which allows for rapid intervention and reduces treatment time, which directly reflects on recovery rates and reduces disability.

Regarding medical tourism, Dr. Tarek Youssef explained that Ain Shams University hospitals possess strong advantages in this area, thanks to the integrated services within the medical city, the availability of highly qualified medical staff, and the lower cost of treatment compared to many other countries.

He pointed out that the Geriatric Hospital is a unique model in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East, offering specialized services for the elderly. It is accredited by the Health Accreditation and Regulation Authority, which qualifies it for international accreditations in the field of medical tourism.

Medical leaders also affirmed that Ain Shams University hospitals represent a beacon of medical education and training, as they receive doctors and trainees from various Egyptian governorates, in addition to Arab and African countries, including Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Kenya, as well as countries with advanced capabilities, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to learn about the integrated work model and transfer the experience to their countries.

The speakers emphasized Ain Shams University Hospitals' commitment to updating treatment protocols according to the latest global scientific evidence and implementing a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the provision of safe and effective medical services. They affirmed that development plans will continue in the coming period, particularly in the Stroke Unit, as part of a comprehensive vision aimed at improving the quality of healthcare and patient services both within Egypt and abroad.