Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, and Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, received Eng. Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to discuss mechanisms for providing suitable resting areas for patients’ companions at El Shatby Hospital. The initiative aims to alleviate the suffering of patients’ families and ensure a humane environment that respects their dignity.

During the meeting, the Governor stressed the importance of reaching an urgent solution that takes into account the humanitarian dimension and preserves the dignity of families, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for patients’ relatives to remain on sidewalks while waiting for their loved ones. He noted that the recurring scene in front of El Shatby Hospital reflects a broader issue present in several governorates, which necessitates swift action and effective coordination to implement practical and sustainable solutions as soon as possible.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim affirmed that a joint executive committee will be formed between the University and the Governorate to examine the proposed solutions. The committee will work to reduce the hardships endured by families, particularly as they spend long hours outside the hospital without adequate shelter to protect them from weather conditions or ease the psychological stress associated with anxiety and anticipation. He added that the University will collaborate closely with the Governorate to provide all necessary logistical support to implement this initiative promptly.

In turn, Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy explained that Alexandria University Hospitals serve four governorates, leading to high patient turnout at the university hospitals. She pointed out that the annual number of visitors approaches 15,000 cases, in addition to approximately 90 deliveries per day at El Shatby Hospital. She added that hospital management is keen to regulate the entry of companions to ensure the highest standards of healthcare within various departments, limit the spread of infection, and maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients and medical staff. She affirmed that coordination with the Governorate will continue to expedite the provision of appropriate waiting areas for patients’ families and to eliminate overcrowding in front of university hospitals.