Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, is working on a development vision for Khanka Mental Health Hospital, which spans 170 acres, to become the first comprehensive medical city dedicated to mental health, addiction treatment, and elderly care.
This development was highlighted during the Minister’s site visit to Al-Khanka Mental Health Hospital today, Monday, accompanied by Eng. Ayman Attia, the Governor of Qalyubia. This visit demonstrates the Minister’s commitment to assessing progress in the medical field and monitoring the services provided to patients.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that after its development, the hospital will encompass a range of therapeutic services, including preventive and oncology care, in addition to mental health and addiction treatment services, with a total capacity of 1,800 beds. This includes 300 beds for preventive and therapeutic services, and two linear accelerators for oncology treatment, alongside 1,500 beds dedicated to mental health services.
“Abdel Ghaffar” mentioned that the Minister began his tour by inspecting the hospital’s outpatient clinics, which include adult and child psychiatric services, to ensure the presence of medical staff and the smooth operation of services. It was noted that the clinics see approximately 300 visitors daily.
Abdel Ghaffar continued by stating that the Minister reviewed the main pharmacy of the hospital, examining the drug dispensing system and availability. A shortage of certain medications was identified, prompting the Minister to immediately contact the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement to ensure the necessary drugs are provided for patients, instructing hospital officials to follow up on this matter with the authority and secure the missing medications.
“Abdel Ghaffar” added that the Minister assessed the staffing situation of pharmacists within the hospital, which includes a main pharmacy and several departmental pharmacies, confirming that there are sufficient human resources in place, with a total of 25 pharmacists working in the hospital.
He pointed out that the Minister inspected a building under construction, which covers an area of 1,400 square meters and consists of three floors. This new building will house outpatient clinics, an administrative office, and accommodation for doctors. The Minister has directed that a study be conducted regarding the establishment of an emergency hospital to provide advanced medical services to patients without requiring their transfer to nearby facilities.
“Abdel Ghaffar” reported that the Minister inspected the harm reduction unit, observation rooms, Section 7 for detainees, Section 32 for women, electroconvulsive therapy rooms, and the addiction treatment section.
He noted that the hospital has a capacity of 1,400 beds, highlighting that it hosts a variety of clinics that serve inpatients, including dental clinics, a dental implants unit, internal medicine, dermatology, surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and ear, nose, and throat clinics.
Abdel Ghaffar mentioned that the hospital also offers a range of services to outpatients, including addiction, psychological care, harm reduction, viral treatment, community medicine, and disability verification for patients with mental disabilities and autism, in addition to standard radiology, ultrasound, and ECG services, as well as brain rhythm regulation unit services.
He emphasized that the Minister was keen to engage with patients visiting the clinics and those in observation rooms and addiction treatment, listening to their requests and committing to addressing their needs.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar’s Vision for Mental Health Development in Egypt
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing mental health care in Egypt. His recent visit to the Khanka Mental Health Hospital, located on an impressive 170 acres, marks the first integrated medical city focused on mental health, addiction treatment, and elderly care.
Significant Developments in Mental Health Facilities
During the minister’s field tour, he was accompanied by Eng. Ayman Attia, the Governor of Qalyubia. This visit underscored Dr. Abdel Ghaffar’s commitment to closely monitor the development of medical services provided at the hospital. The Khanka Mental Health Hospital is set to offer:
- Therapeutic services: Comprehensive care including psychological and addiction treatments.
- Preventive services: Initiatives aimed at averting mental health issues before they arise.
- Oncology treatment: Two linear accelerators for cancer treatment.
- Capacity expansion: A total capacity of 1,800 beds, divided into various specialized care units.
Enhanced Services and Facilities
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, highlighted that after the hospital’s development, it would encompass:
- 1,500 beds dedicated to mental health services.
- 300 beds for preventive and therapeutic services.
- A variety of outpatient services to cater to patient needs.
Inspections and Improvements in Pharmacy Services
During the tour, the Minister inspected the hospital’s outpatient clinics, focusing on ensuring the availability of medical staff and regular operations. Annually, these clinics accommodate around 300 visitors daily.
Furthermore, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar addressed the critical issue of medication availability during his inspection of the main pharmacy, where shortages were identified. He took immediate action by contacting the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement to secure the necessary medications for patients. Hospital officials were instructed to ensure continuous communication with the authority for timely replenishment of stocks.
Future-Proofing Khanka Hospital
The hospital is undergoing significant expansions, including a 1,400 square meter building consisting of three floors that will house:
- Outpatient clinics to manage diverse health needs.
- An administrative building to streamline hospital operations.
- Housing for doctors to enhance staff availability.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar also emphasized the potential establishment of an emergency hospital to provide immediate advanced medical care, minimizing the need for patients to transfer to other facilities.
Comprehensive Patient Services
Among the occupied facilities at Khanka Hospital are:
- Harm reduction units aimed at reducing the negative consequences of drug use.
- Observation rooms and specialized sections for women and detainees.
- Electroconvulsive therapy rooms for severe psychiatric conditions.
- Dedicated sections for addiction treatment.
With a capacity for 1,400 beds, the hospital also provides multiple internal clinics, including:
- Dental Clinic
- Offers services ranging from routine check-ups to complex procedures.
- Internal Medicine
- Addresses a variety of chronic and acute conditions.
- Surgery
- A fully-equipped facility for surgical procedures.
- Dermatology and Orthopedics
- Specialized services aimed at skin and joint-related issues.
- Ophthalmology and ENT Clinics
- Dedicated to eye and ear, nose, and throat health.
Outpatient Services and Community Outreach
Khanka Hospital extends its reach to the community by providing outpatient services that include:
- Addiction clinics focusing on recovery and rehabilitation.
- Psychological clinics offering mental health consultations.
- Harm reduction programs aimed at educating and assisting vulnerable populations.
- Community medicine initiatives for widespread health education.
- Disability verification services for mental health disabilities and autism.
- Regular diagnostic services such as radiology, ultrasound, and ECG.
- Brain rhythm regulatory programs.
Engaging with Patients and Community Feedback
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the importance of patient interaction during his visit, engaging with patients at clinics and within the addiction treatment department. Listening to their needs and feedback is crucial in refining the services offered and ensuring that the hospital meets the community’s mental health requirements.