Egypt and Serbia are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in digital healthcare, medical technology and professional training.
The planned agreement was discussed during a meeting in Cairo between Ahmed El-Sobky, chairperson of Egypt’s General Authority for Healthcare, and Serbia’s ambassador to Egypt, Miroslav Šestović.
The two sides are working on a framework that could cover artificial intelligence in medicine, electronic patient records, hospital administration, pharmaceutical production and medical device manufacturing.
Cooperation may also include medical tourism, rehabilitation services, nursing education and programmes connecting Egyptian and Serbian hospitals.
The initiative is intended to move beyond general diplomatic cooperation and create practical projects involving healthcare institutions, universities and private companies.
Technology Transfer and Medical Training Take Priority
One of the proposed partnership’s main objectives is to facilitate the transfer of medical technology and professional knowledge between the two countries.
Hospital twinning programmes could allow medical and administrative teams to exchange experience, compare treatment systems and adopt successful clinical practices.
The planned memorandum is also expected to address primary healthcare planning, workforce development and the use of artificial intelligence to support diagnosis and hospital operations.
Egypt presented its Universal Health Insurance System as an important area in which it can share experience. The system is currently operating in seven governorates and is being introduced gradually in other parts of the country.
The General Authority for Healthcare also manages more than 20 nursing institutes that use European-accredited educational programmes. Partnerships with Serbian institutions could provide additional opportunities for nursing students, trainers and healthcare professionals.
Another possible area of cooperation is Egypt’s Virtual Hospital in Ismailia. The facility is designed to connect patients and medical teams through digital platforms, allowing specialists to provide remote consultations and support.
Serbian healthcare and technology companies have been invited to examine investment and partnership opportunities connected with the project.
Serbia, meanwhile, has experience in rehabilitation, medical education, pharmaceutical production and healthcare technology. Egyptian officials believe cooperation in these fields could help improve services while supporting local manufacturing.
The agreement has not yet been signed. Both sides are finalising the executive framework and identifying projects that could be launched after the memorandum is approved.
The proposed partnership also has a wider economic dimension. Egypt’s location and access to African and Middle Eastern markets could provide Serbian companies with opportunities for regional expansion.
For Egypt, the cooperation could support healthcare modernisation, develop the skills of medical workers and increase the use of digital systems across hospitals and clinics.
Officials from both countries said they intend to turn the discussions into long-term institutional cooperation rather than a limited exchange of visits.
