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Under the chairmanship of His Excellency Prof. Ahmed Hussein El-Sobky, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Healthcare, and in a high-level academic event held under the auspices and in the presence of His Excellency Pro. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Farid Moharram El-Garhy, Dean of the Faculty of Business, the Faculty witnessed on Saturday, April 11th, the discussion of the professional doctoral dissertation in Business Administration (DBA) by researcher Aya Mohamed Salah El-Din Abdel Rahim Mohamed.

The dissertation addressed a vital issue affecting the Egyptian medical and social sectors, entitled: "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Quality of Medical Services Provided by Community Pharmacies in Egypt," highlighting the evaluation of the role of community pharmacies as a first line of defense during times of health crises.

The judging and discussion committee included, in addition to His Excellency Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky (Chairman), Prof. Farid Moharram El-Garhy, Dean of the Faculty of Business, at Ain Shams University, and Professor Dr. Sahar Mohamed Mehran, Dean of the Institute of Administrative Sciences in 6th of October City.

The discussion was honored by the special presence of His Excellency Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, which added great momentum to the event.

Transforming Scientific Research into Practical Applications

His Excellency emphasized that the university prioritizes translating scientific research into practical applications that serve the nation's needs, noting that Ain Shams University acts as a strategic partner in the nation's ongoing development and construction efforts.

He stressed that the university is deeply committed to supporting research initiatives that aim to provide innovative solutions for advancing the healthcare sector. He affirmed that this commitment stems from Ain Shams University's national role in aligning with the goals of "Egypt Vision 2030," which aims to provide a dignified life and comprehensive healthcare for all citizens, and to actively contribute to building the foundations of the new republic.

Community pharmacies played a heroic role during the COVID-19 pandemic

During his chairmanship of the discussion committee, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky emphasized the high level of objectivity in the discussion, praising the thesis as a highly significant research paper addressing one of the most serious challenges faced by Egypt and the world at large over the past six years.

His Excellency extended his special thanks to the researcher and the supervisory committee for their tremendous effort throughout all stages of the research, from the careful selection of the topic, through the rigorous research and academic structure, to the important recommendations, which were formulated with great professionalism and represent the true fruit of this work.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky drew upon his executive experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that he was then serving as Assistant Minister of Health and supervisor of the national strategic pandemic management, under the supervision of Her Excellency Prof. Hala Zayed, the former Minister of Health and Population, and His Excellency Prof. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the current Minister of Health and Population.

In this context, His Excellency echoed the researcher's and the supervisory committee's sentiments, emphasizing that community pharmacies played a heroic and pivotal role in alleviating the burden on hospitals, clinics, and public and private healthcare facilities, and actively participated with the state in controlling the pandemic.

His Excellency added (from an executive perspective) that the true value and most important gain from this research is its use as a strategic tool to prepare state institutions and health sectors to be fully ready to face any future pandemics or similar health challenges.

He explained that "pandemic preparedness" has become the most important global trend today, with the World Health Organization and major institutions allocating huge budgets for scientific research and analytical studies. He concluded by emphasizing that the Egyptian experience in managing the crisis is an important and inspiring global model.

Establishing the "Knowledge-Producing University" Model

For his part, Prof. Farid Muharram Al-Jarhi, Dean of the Faculty of Business, expressed his immense pride in the Faculty hosting this distinguished scientific discussion.

He extended his special thanks to His Excellency the University President for his continued support and patronage of the Faculty's activities, while also welcoming His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al-Subki's chairmanship of the judging committee.

In a related context, Prof. Farid Muharram praised the pioneering and unprecedented role played by the Egyptian state in developing the healthcare sector, emphasizing that the achievements the state has made in this area represent a true national epic.

His Excellency praised the heroic role played by state institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their exceptional ability to manage the crisis and protect the health of Egyptian citizens under the most difficult circumstances.

He also specifically commended the General Authority for Healthcare, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, affirming that it has become an Egyptian and international success story in providing medical services according to international quality standards, and a model to be emulated in modernization and advanced healthcare management.

His Excellency emphasized that the faculty seeks to establish the model of a "knowledge-producing university" by adopting research that addresses issues central to national work, thus ensuring the integration of visions between academics and field practitioners to develop all sectors of the state.

In her remarks as the dissertation supervisor, Prof. Sahar Mohamed Mehran expressed her pride in supervising this important research, extending her gratitude and appreciation to the esteemed committee, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky and including Prof. Farid Moharram El-Garhy.

She commended the researcher's significant effort and perseverance throughout the study, which culminated in precise and applicable recommendations that contribute to improving community-based pharmaceutical services.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, and following the committee's praise for the outstanding research, the committee recommended awarding the researcher a professional doctorate in business administration (DBA).

Following the announcement of the results, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Hussein El-Sobky, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Healthcare, received the "Faculty Shield" as a gift from His Excellency Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, and Prof. Farid Moharram El-Garhy, Dean of the Faculty, in recognition of his honor and continuous support for scientific research in the health field, amidst an atmosphere of congratulations and celebration.