School Health Services in Egypt: Critical Analysis

Abstract Background Egypt was exposed to political instability and auxiliary changes in the period 2011 – 2014. Throughout this period different activities were made within concept of knowledge based development. Of these activities was School Health Project (SHP) conducted by Arab Medical Union (AMU)/ Egypt Medical Syndicate in-cooperation with Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), National Research Center (NRC) and Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine Cairo University in 2012-2013. The project considered focusing on primary schools students (PSSs) especially in governorates that rank as low-grade human development index i.e. Fayoum. The objectives of the project is critical analysis of school health system in Egypt throughout out the period of its affiliation to MOHP up to its link to health insurance system (HIS) in 2003. Methods Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. In-depth interview with policy makers involved in MOHP, MOE, SHI and disk review and analysis of SHP documents. Through multispecialty medical coveyes quantitative data were recorded by physicians and nurses. From those records representative systematic random sample of 7000 students proportionally distributed in 355 schools in seven Districts in Fayoum Governorate. Results SHI was less successful in providing preventive services to PSSs. AMU-SHP covered 82% of targeted students with clinical, referral and health education services. Clinical findings showed anemia as major problem (84%) followed by dental problems (33%), hair /scalp problems (9%) and visual errors (6%). Referral to secondary level of care was for 24% of examined children to different medical specialties, and 29% to dental clinics. Conclusion Current School Health Insurance for School Children revealed shortage in coverage of students with comprehensive clinical services for primary school children who suffer from different morbidities that could influence education promotion. Upgrading school health preventive and curative services is crucial especially in low grade socioeconomic governorates.