Dr. Ossama Shaheen: Egypt Positions Health Tourism as a Strategic Economic Pillar

Ali Ahmed

As countries around the world compete to maximize non-traditional sources of growth, Egypt is reopening one of its most promising economic and healthcare files: medical and wellness tourism

What was once a fragmented opportunity is now taking shape as an integrated national project, with the potential to position Egypt as a leading global destination for health tourism

In this context, Dr. Ossama Shaheen, Head of the Africa Chapter at the World Council for Medical Tourism USA

highlighted the key elements of an ambitious vision based on a unified

digital platform, the activation of Egypt’s natural healing assets, and the transformation of the patient journey into a fully integrated experience under state supervision.

Egypt’s Direction on the Global Health Tourism Map

Dr. Shaheen stated that Egypt has never lacked the capabilities required to compete in this sector. Rather, the main challenge has been the absence of a clear and coordinated execution mechanism

He explained that the current phase represents a genuine shift from individual efforts to an institutional and integrated ecosystem

The objective is to build a comprehensive model that goes beyond medical treatment alone, offering a complete wellness experience that

combines healthcare, recovery, rehabilitation, and natural healing

A Digital Platform That Could Change the Game

Dr. Shaheen revealed that Egypt is moving toward launching a unified digital platform that could represent a major turning point in managing the health tourism sector

The platform is expected to organize the full journey of the medical tourist, starting from travel booking and reception, through the selection of

treatment or wellness programs and accommodation, all the way to departure and return home

He emphasized that placing this process under state supervision will be essential to ensuring quality, transparency, safety, and confidence in the Egyptian health tourism experience.

The National Council for Health Tourism: The Organizing Engine

As a cornerstone of this transformation, efforts are underway to activate the role of Egypt’s National Council for Health

Tourism as the coordinating and supervisory body responsible for organizing this strategic sector and launching the upcoming digital platform

Dr. Shaheen noted that the Council’s role will be critical in protecting the medical tourist and ensuring full follow-up from the moment of booking until after the completion of the journey and return to the country of origin

This, he added, would significantly enhance confidence in Egypt’s health tourism system and support the country’s ambition to become one of the world’s top health tourism destinations

He also confirmed that the World Council for Medical Tourism is fully prepared to transfer international expertise and cooperate with Egypt in building a competitive global model

Medical Tourism or Wellness Tourism: A Critical Distinction

Dr. Shaheen explained that medical tourism is mainly based on hospitals, accredited healthcare facilities, and specialized medical services, while wellness tourism depends largely on

natural resources such as mineral springs, therapeutic sand, climate-based healing locations, and other natural assets

He added that Egypt has significant natural wealth that can support health and wellness tourism. Several sources

refer to more than 1,300 natural sites and springs with potential therapeutic characteristics.

However, he stressed that transforming these assets into a market-ready tourism product requires scientific mapping, infrastructure development, accreditation, regulation, and strong international promotion

A Fully Integrated State-Led Ecosystem

According to Dr. Shaheen, the success of this sector depends on the integration of several government entities, including health, tourism, transportation, interior affairs, and other relevant authorities

He stressed that the tourist’s experience must be managed as one seamless journey, from arrival to departure, ensuring safety, quality, comfort, and professional care at every stage

An Economic Opportunity with Significant Potential

Dr. Shaheen described medical and wellness tourism as one of the most important global sources of foreign currency generation, citing the success

of several countries that have transformed this sector into a major economic industry

He emphasized that Egypt has a real opportunity to become a strong international brand in health tourism,

especially with the growing global demand for wellness, preventive health, rehabilitation, and integrated recovery experiences

Cooperation with WCMT

Egypt can benefit from cooperation with the World Council for Medical Tourism through international expertise, technical support, destination

positioning, partnership development, and knowledge transfer

This cooperation can strengthen trust, improve global visibility, support quality standards, and accelerate Egypt’s competitiveness in health tourism

A Message to Doctors and Healthcare Institutions

Dr. Shaheen concluded by stressing that the new phase requires a change in mindset and operating standards

He noted that joining the national health tourism ecosystem means committing to clear international standards that protect

the rights of patients and healthcare providers, ensure service quality, and strengthen Egypt’s medical reputation worldwide

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