Healthcare on a lifeline: Egypt’s hospitals rely on Ramadan donations to survive

In Egypt, Ramadan is not just a time for religious fasting – it is also a critical financial lifeline for the country’s public and charitable healthcare system. Without the generosity of Zakat (obligatory alms) and Sadaqa (voluntary charity), many major hospitals would struggle to survive. For a month, Egyptian TV and social media are flooded with appeals from hospitals seeking donations, as competition for charity peaks. Hospitals spend millions on emotional campaigns, often featuring celebrities or popular songs. Some rely on Ramadan donations for up to 80% of their annual budgets. Yet behind these polished images lies a darker reality of Egypt’s public healthcare system.