Egypt prioritizes mental health support, expands services nationwide – Egypt Independent

The Ministry of Health and Population affirmed that mental health and psychological support for citizens are at the forefront of Egypt’s priorities, as a core pillar of public health.
In a statement on Sunday, April 12, 2026,  the ministry said preserving human well-being encompasses physical, psychological and emotional health alike.
Through the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, the ministry continues to provide an integrated system of preventive and specialized therapeutic services, focusing on early detection and rapid intervention for cases suffering from severe psychological distress or self-harm ideation.
The national mental health system includes 24 specialized medical facilities nationwide, offering diagnostic, treatment and psychological support services through outpatient clinics and inpatient departments, in addition to specialized clinics dealing with trauma and suicidal ideation, in line with the latest international standards.
The ministry highlighted “Oasis” clinics as an advanced model for handling acute psychological crises, relying on precise assessment and individualized treatment plans, while ensuring rapid access through an organized referral system and maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality.
It noted that suicidal ideation cases are handled through a scientific approach that begins with immediate risk assessment, followed by appropriate intervention and, when necessary, family involvement in accordance with the law, alongside safety planning to ensure patient stability.
The ministry also provides round-the-clock psychological support through hotline 16328, which received 8,808 calls in the first quarter of 2026, including 3,874 consultations, among them 252 emergency cases that were promptly addressed and referred for appropriate care.
Additionally, the ministry’s online mental health platform offers remote therapy services with privacy and ease of access, delivering thousands of sessions to citizens across the country.
The ministry stressed that suicidal thoughts are treatable and can be overcome if help is sought in time, urging citizens to seek support through available services, including the hotline or the nearest specialized facility.
It also called on media outlets and social media users to act responsibly when addressing mental health issues, avoiding content that violates privacy or exacerbates psychological distress.
The ministry underscored that mental health services are accessible to all citizens without discrimination, reaffirming the state’s commitment to further developing the system as part of a broader effort to build a more resilient and stable society.

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