A research team from Zewail City of Science and Technology in Egypt, led by Director of the Center for Material Science Ibrahim M. El-Sherbiny, has created a nano bandage capable of wound healing within days using the anti-epilepsy phenytoin.

This new phenomenon due to its high skin healing potency may be the band-aid solution for repercussions of the 1063/2014 Constitution guaranteeing free healthcare to patients in Egypt.

What is the Nano Bandage?

The curative nano bandage boosts the rehabilitation of cells forming the epithelial tissue that borders the internal organs, skin and body bursa. This bandage has proven to accelerate the healing phase of wounds for up to 10 days upon treatment.

Cairo researchers believe that the bandage may be most useful for treating wounds in situations where there is a shortage of medical supplies or staff.

The Health Insurance Organization in Egypt Plays a Key Role

In the past, the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) were responsible for the health care system in Egypt and creating a platform for insurance and care to all Egyptians. Now, only government workers and juvenescence remain as beneficiaries of their health programs.

The emergency response and humanitarian crisis in Egypt have received much support from the European Commission, USAID, the World Bank, African Development Bank and the Japanese Development Bank between 2012-2016.

New Policy Change Means the First 48 Hours are Free

In 2014, former prime minister of Egypt Ibrahim Mehleb issued decision 1063/2014, based on the 2014 Constitution, which guarantees free medical care during the first 48 hours for emergency concerns. Due to this dramatic change in policy, delays in wound healing cost health institutions a lot because of extended hospitalization periods.

In addition, the cost of extended medical assistance during official working hours is overpriced. Poor conditions and management have left a meager 33 beds for every 10,000 citizens in Egypt’s hospitals.

Denying any form of medical treatment to any human in emergency or life-threatening situations is a crime. As a result, doctors, physicians and nurses are susceptible to assault and exploitation.

The new nano bandage will prove useful in treating patients efficiently who require to burn treatments without requiring overnight comprehensive care or constant supervision.

How do Health Facilities Affect the Poor?

With 43% of the population living in urban areas, the free medical treatments offered in Egypt has endured much scrutiny by the media due to the dilapidated conditions of public hospital facilities.

Based on the 2014 constitution, Egypt committed to allocating no less than three percent of gross domestic product (GDP) towards health. The percentage is expected to increase progressively based on global rates.

However, the efforts of the health sector budget in tackling the existing expenses and ongoing challenges has proven more inadequate than substantial. Only 1.5% of the state GNP was allocated towards improving healthcare during the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

The poor in Egypt are not able to afford extensive health care and with this new development, both health care personnel and patients will be positively impacted.

– Shanique Wright

Photo: Flickr