Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population announced the launch of a specialized training program in cooperation with Roche to enhance the capacity of healthcare providers to offer psychological support to women with breast cancer, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the concept of comprehensive and integrated medical care.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the Ministry’s official spokesperson, stressed that the Ministry places great importance on promoting women’s mental health as a key pillar of the healthcare system. He noted that the program aims to train 600 medical professionals over three months to raise awareness of the importance of integrating physical and psychological care throughout all stages of the disease, from detection and diagnosis through treatment, while taking into account patients’ psychological and human needs.
He explained that the program includes specialized scientific and practical modules focusing on the fundamentals of psychological first aid, developing effective communication skills, delivering difficult news professionally and empathetically, and methods of disclosing diagnoses in a way that takes the human dimension into consideration. It also covers understanding patients’ changing psychological needs throughout their treatment journey and how to refer them to specialized services when necessary.
For his part, Dr. Ayman Abbas, Head of the Central Administration for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, noted that the program also addresses the mental health of healthcare providers themselves. It includes training on self-care concepts and mechanisms for preventing occupational stress and burnout, helping protect their psychological well-being and enhancing their ability to provide sustainable, supportive, and compassionate care.
Stefano Mazzioni, General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals Egypt, said that a patient’s journey extends to include various aspects that affect their quality of life. From this perspective, the company places mental health at the heart of breast cancer patient care, while strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Population and the Presidential Initiative for Women’s Health to develop healthcare providers’ capabilities.
Dr. Samar Fouad, Director of Training at the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, explained that the program represents the culmination of the Ministry’s efforts to establish integrated healthcare that places women and their psychological and physical needs at the center of the healthcare system. It equips medical professionals with the skills needed to address the psychological aspects associated with chronic and serious diseases, particularly breast cancer.
🖋️ Source: Akhbar El Yom portal
