With the country enjoying strong economic growth, increasing trade, and strengthening investment from home and abroad, delegates to the 9th General Conference of the National Democratic Party (NDP) set a progressive agenda to reinvest the benefits of economic reform into a social justice agenda. In order to enhance the quality of life for all Egyptians, the NDP party today established policies and goals to bolster the quality of education, increase access to healthcare and improve public services, such as water, sanitation and transportation.
"While we have made significant progress in recent years, we still have a long way to go in order to raise the standard of living for all Egyptians, especially the neediest," said Minister of Housing Ahmed el-Maghrabi. "The battle for social justice and the elimination of poverty is and will remain high on our agenda."
"The strategy being promoted by the NDP is to target and help people with the greatest needs. Our plan is to triple the number of people we are able to specifically target with social services," said Finance Minister Youssef Botrous Ghali. "Next year, we plan to reach more than 3 million people."
The NDP supports changes to state-provided healthcare through a series of reforms and policy objectives. The party endorses a stronger insurance fund so that all families can afford the quality of care they deserve. Additionally, the party believes that more focus is needed to elevate the care delivered in state-owned hospitals. Officials also stressed the need for greater cooperation from the private sector in the healthcare system; increased training for doctors and nurses; and improved emergency services.
"Comprehensive healthcare insurance is essential to give all families access to quality care," said Minister of Social Solidarity Ali Moselhi. "We look forward to the implementation of this new social program and are proud of this achievement."
Transformation of the educational system is also a priority for the NDP. The party recognizes the problems caused by overcrowding of schools and the need for more and better teachers. And, as more young people approach the age where they will begin looking to enter the job market, more vocational training is needed.
The party is also setting a bold agenda for a broad range of public services, including housing, transportation, water resources, and sanitation.
"Social justice is about development, growth and progress," concluded Chairperson of the Committee on Women Hoda Rashad. "We can't waste our time with talk. We need to convert policies into action."