The Egyptian Ministry of Interior announced that the General Administration for Drug Control, in collaboration with the Public Security Sector and the Alexandria Security Directorate, conducted a security campaign to apprehend unlicensed treatment centers practicing incorrect treatment methods in Alexandria Governorate. Following legal procedures, 9 unlicensed addiction treatment centers were shut down. Authorities arrested 9 individuals overseeing these centers, 5 of whom have criminal records. Numerous violations were identified, including the absence of licenses, lack of approval from relevant authorities, practicing medicine without a license, and not following infection control policies.
The Egyptian government is implementing ongoing plans to combat drugs, treat addiction, and facilitate the reintegration of recovering individuals into society. The Ministry of Health announced today the signing of a protocol to support psychiatric care and addiction treatment programs, aimed at fostering cooperation in the community integration of recovering individuals and qualifying them for the labor market, enabling them to fulfill their roles as responsible citizens.
Dr. Menen Abdel-Maksood, the Secretary-General of the General Secretariat for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment at the Ministry, stated that the Freedom from Addiction program offers addiction treatment services through 10 licensed psychiatric and addiction treatment centers recognized by the Ministry of Health, as well as several guest houses aiming to integrate recovering individuals into society and raise awareness to ensure they do not relapse. The ministry also provides addiction prevention services.
Additionally, the Ministry of Social Solidarity has previously announced the existence of 28 treatment centers under its purview in 17 governorates for addiction treatment, confirming that treatment services have been provided to 147,272 patients, both new and ongoing, of which 15,659 are current patients.
