Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Wow. Oh my God.”
That phrase became our mantra on the last day of our visit to Egypt. And honestly? It captures everything about what we witnessed at the Shefa El Orman Cancer Center in Luxor.
I’ve visited cancer centers across continents. But Shefaa AlOrman Hospital left a deep and lasting impression on me.
What moved me most wasn’t just the breadth of services, radiotherapy, surgery, medical and pediatric oncology, diagnostics, palliative care, psychosocial support, but the heart behind the work.
From the moment I arrived, I was met with warmth, kindness, and an openness that is difficult to describe but impossible to forget. The staff embodies a rare blend of professionalism and humanity. They make patients feel seen, supported, and valued at every step of their journey.
What struck me:
1/ Despite serving a vast region, with many patients traveling long distances from Upper Egypt, the center maintains an atmosphere of calm, dignity, and purpose.
2/ Despite resource constraints, common across African health systems, the digitization and seamless integration of technology into patient navigation was mind-opening. From start to finish, patients are tracked, supported, and cared for with precision.
3/ Despite the complexity of cancer care, the teams stayed late into the night with us, brainstorming strategies, exchanging ideas, exploring how Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt could collaborate more deeply.
Their dedication wasn’t performative.
Shefa El Orman is more than a treatment facility. It is a trusted lifeline for communities that depend on consistency, compassion, and equitable care.
The pride in the institution and commitment to serving with excellence came through in every conversation. Staff members expressed real interest in knowledge exchange and collaboration, not as a courtesy, but as a genuine desire to learn and contribute.
I left feeling humbled and deeply encouraged. The facility stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when clinical excellence, community trust, and a shared mission of service align.
It is the kind of place that restores your faith in what health systems can be when built on both strong foundations and open hearts.
This visit was made possible through a powerful collaboration between Africa CDC, Shefaa AlOrman Hospital, and the Africa Health Business team led by Dr. Mary Moussa, FAPH and Dr Amit N. Thakker ,EBS. The local coordination by Nashwa Kordy, Dr. Emmanuel Ibrahim, and the entire team was exceptional.
I am grateful for the experience and energized about the possibilities that future collaborations may hold.
Q: What’s one healthcare facility that completely restored your faith in what’s possible?
I’d love to hear your story.”
More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi on OncoDaily.
