الهيئة العامة للرقابة المالية

• Islam Azzam: Activating Medical Liability Insurance System Provides a Clear and Fair Framework to Protect Patients’ Rights

Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), chaired by Dr. Islam Azzam, has approved the registration of the “Government Fund for Insurance Against Risks Arising from Medical Errors” in FRA’s register of government insurance funds. This comes alongside the approval of the governing rules for the insurance operations covered by the Fund, clearly defining the scope of coverage, beneficiary categories and insurance premiums, thereby enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of medical error insurance framework.

 The Fund’s registration enforces the provisions of the Unified Insurance Law and the Law Regulating Medical Liability and Patient Safety, implementing Prime Minister’s decree to establish the Fund’s bylaws in compliance with regulating laws, decrees and executive controls issued by FRA.

Dr. Islam Azzam, FRA Chairman stated that registering the Fund and issuing its operational rules marks a significant step in activating medical liability insurance system. He highlighted that this provides a clear and fair framework to safeguard the rights of healthcare recipients while balancing the interests of medical professionals and healthcare facilities.

He explained that under Decision No. 303 of 2025, FRA sought to balance effective insurance protection with the Fund’s financial sustainability. This is achieved through actuary-backed studies to set premiums which will be periodically reviewed against actual operational experience, alongside establishing clear guidelines for coverage and claim payout mechanisms.

Regarding the annual premiums for healthcare professionals, human physicians will pay EGP 240 for General Practitioners and EGP 920 for other specialized grades. Dentists and physical therapy practitioners or specialists will pay EGP 160 for General Practitioners and EGP 400 for specialized grades. The annual premium is set at EGP 240 for pharmacists and EGP 100 for other licensed healthcare roles, with fresh graduates receiving a 25% discount during their first licensing period.

For healthcare facilities, annual premiums are structured at EGP 24,000 for hospitals up to 50 beds plus EGP 500 for each additional bed, EGP 9,600 for medical centers, EGP 3,600 for radiology centers, EGP 2,400 for laboratories and EGP 1,200 for pharmacies.

FRA has mandated the Fund’s Board of Directors to retain a registered actuarial expert to conduct a study based on actual performance during the Fund’s first three years, with provisions to conduct further studies as needed, to review pricing structures and adjust premium levels accordingly.

 The Fund is responsible for providing insurance coverage and compensating beneficiaries in cases of death, disability or bodily injury resulting from medical errors under the terms of its insurance policy. Coverage may be executed directly by the Fund or through contracts with one or more insurance companies or an approved insurance pool.

Additionally, the Fund may cover other damages resulting from medical errors under established guidelines, excluding cases where medical liability is negated or those involving fraud or deception. The Fund retains the right of recourse against individuals responsible for gross negligence, those operating outside their licensed scope, those using illegal methods, or those refusing emergency treatment.

 Subscription to the Fund is a mandatory prerequisite for practicing medical professions, obtaining or renewing professional licenses, and licensing healthcare facilities, ensuring broad protective coverage across the healthcare ecosystem.

 The Fund holds an independent legal personality, falls under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Health and Population and operates under the supervision of FRA across all its branches, while offering an official online platform to submit compensation claims following an amicable settlement or a final judicial ruling.