Egyptian Authorities Close 19 Unlicensed Centers for Addiction Treatment and Psychiatry in Cairo

---

Overview of the Closure of Unlicensed Centers

The Egyptian authorities announced today (Sunday) the closure of 19 unlicensed centers for addiction treatment and psychiatry in Cairo Governorate. The closures were carried out by the Ministry of Health and Population, due to centers operating without legal licenses and violating health and legal standards.

---

Details of the Closure

Inspection Campaigns and Authorities Involved

• A joint inspection campaign was conducted by:

  • Management of Free Treatment (إدارة العلاج الحر)
  • Directorates of Health Affairs
  • National Mental Health Council (المجلس القومي للصحة النفسية)

• The campaign resulted in the seizure and closure of these violating centers.

Locations and Names of Closed Centers

Centers in Mokattam:

• Ajyad (أجياد)
• The First Step (الخطوة الأولى)
• Freedom (الحرية)
• The New Generation (الجيل الجديد)
• The Pioneers (الأوائل)
• Willpower (قوة الإرادة)
• Al-Barakah (البركة)
• Life (لايف)
• Beginning (بداية)
• New Life (نيو لايف)
• Change (التغيير)
• Rest House (دار النقاهة)
• Trust (الثقة)
• Al-Aseel (الأصيل)
• Eagles (النسور)
• Hope (الأمل)

Centers in Badr:

• Promise (وعد)
• Choice (الاختيار)
• The Beginning House (دار البداية)

---

Reasons for the Centers’ Closure

Legal and Health Violations

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, emphasized that necessary legal procedures have been initiated against the violators. He also highlighted ongoing monitoring campaigns across all governorates.

Violations Identified

• Absence of a technical director
• Practicing without a license
• Inadequate infection control measures and equipment
• Lack of proper record-keeping
• Violations in handling hazardous waste
• Failure to rectify previous violations

Legal Framework Violations

Dr. Ahmed El-Nahas, head of the Central Technical Secretariat at the National Mental Health Council, pointed out that these centers violated:

• Law No. 51 of 1981 (amended) on the Regulation of Non-Governmental Medical Facilities
• Law No. 71 of 2009 on Mental Health

They lacked infection control and environmental compliance, posing a serious risk to residents.

Citizens’ Responsibility

The authorities urged citizens to verify licenses before dealing with these facilities and to submit complaints through official channels of the National Mental Health Council.

---

Previous Incidents and Ongoing Campaigns

Egypt has experienced a significant increase in monitoring campaigns against unlicensed addiction and psychiatric centers in recent months, especially after incidents such as:

• Mass escape of residents from violating clinics (December 2025)
• Fire accidents and health violations that raised public concern

Recent Closure Statistics

• In 2025, the Ministry of Health and Population closed more than 100 centers.
• In 2026, the campaign intensified, resulting in the closure of approximately 104 centers in the Giza, Alexandria, Sharqia, Beheira, Dakahlia, and Cairo governorates.

---