16 Unlicensed Rehab Clinics Closed by Health Ministry in Cairo

Egypt’s Ministry of Health has closed 16 private addiction treatment and psychiatric facilities in Cairo’s Mokattam district after inspections uncovered violations that posed risks to patient safety.

The closures followed joint inspection campaigns carried out by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Interior Ministry’s anti-narcotics department, the National Council for Mental Health, and the ministry’s licensing authority.

Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar stated that the inspections focused on centres that promoted their services on social media without appropriate medical licensing or supervision.

According to Ahmed El-Nahhas, head of the technical secretariat at the National Council for Mental Health, a range of violations were documented, including operating without official permits, hiring unqualified personnel, possession of narcotic substances, non-compliance with safety protocols, and the use or distribution of counterfeit and unregistered pharmaceuticals.

All 16 facilities were sealed, and the cases have been referred to judicial authorities for further action.

El-Nahhas added, “The ministry is committed to protecting patients’ health and safety and will not tolerate violations,” noting that similar inspection campaigns will continue across the country to ensure adherence to medical regulations.

The Ministry of Health has called on the public to verify a centre’s licence status before initiating treatment. Citizens are encouraged to report any violations or suspicious activity through the ministry’s hotline (01207474740), WhatsApp service, or via the official social media pages of the National Council for Mental Health.