Health Minister Amr Helmy has launched a new hotline number – "137" – for citizens to use in reporting shortages of medicines in pharmacies.
The number has been created in response to numerous complaints the minister has received from people unable to find the medicines they need in pharmacies. The hotline’s operators have been tasked with immediately informing callers where they can find the medicines they need.
Deputy Health Minister Adel al-Adawy, meanwhile, has announced plans to issue ID cards for citizens to use at the closest hospital to their place of residence. The card is designed to carry the patient's medical data and history in order to speed up procedures and avoid unnecessary medical tests.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
