Participants in activities of the Egyptian government simulation program discussed Monday means of developing the health system, responding to political, economic, security and social challenges to Egypt and facing economic challenges, topped by the dollar and external debt crises.

The morning session of the program, which is held as part of the Presidential Leadership Program (PLP), was attended by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and several ministers and lawmakers.

They also discussed a working paper on the health sector, medical tourism, health insurance and pharmaceuticals.

They reviewed Jordan's experiment in the medical tourism, calling for forming an executive committee representing the health, housing and tourism ministries to promote medical tourism in Egypt.

Health Minister Ahmed Emad asserted the government's keenness on backing the healthcare system via securing the necessary funds to improve health care services.

The government attaches importance to supporting the local production of pharmaceuticals to face repercussions of the rise in the value of the US dollar, the minister added.

Source: MENA