The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Dr. Hala Zayed, Minister of Health, a few days after she had taken oath as a new minister. At the beginning of the meeting, the Grand Imam expressed his sincere greetings to Dr. Zayed on her new position, wishing her success in advancing the health sector in Egypt. He added that Egyptian women have proven their ability to assume leadership positions and achieved remarkable success in various fields. He also expressed his optimism on her assumption of the position, as she is the first female official in the ministry to serve as minister. According to the Grand Imam, Dr. Zayed’s constant activity in cooperation with Al-Azhar in the medical field has been remarkable and useful. He then indicated that he is quite aware of the suffering of the sick and the poor, and is keen to communicate with them, stressing that this large and important segment of the society suffers from wrong, exploitative practices. Hence, the Grand Imam asserted, Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif is prompted to take practical steps, launching Al-Azhar medical convoys that provide free treatment and medicine to the poor throughout Egypt. He also pointed out that the Ministry of Health plays a major role in this regard and that Al-Azhar will continue to provide full support to the ministry.

For her part, Dr. Zayed expressed her appreciation of the Grand Imam’s role in supporting the poor and combating diseases, explaining that Al-Azhar’s physicians are remarkably knowledgeable in several disciplines, besides their high medical competence. Dr. Zayed noted that this is a result of the Al-Azhar curricula, which combines education and human knowledge. She expressed her aspiration for continued cooperation between Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Health to serve citizens in the health sector, especially the poor and needy. She also aspired for constant coordination between Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Health to support the free medical convoys of Al-Azhar to the various regions.