Pediatrics in Cairo

Pediatrics is the field of medicine that focuses on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 21. Medical doctors who specialize in this field are called pediatricians. Not only do they provide medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill, but they also provide preventative health services for healthy children. They manage the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the children under their care through all stages of growth and development. They are involved in the prevention, early detection, and management problems, including:

• Developmental delays and disorders
• Functional disabilities
• Behavioral problems
• Social stresses
• Mental disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders.

When children get hurt or sick, they treat a range of injuries and diseases, such as infections, cancers, organ diseases, and dysfunctions, as well as genetic and congenital conditions. Some pediatricians are primary care physicians (meaning they are your first stop for general medical care and wellness visits for your children), while others specialize. There are more than 30 pediatric specialties, including pediatric oncology (the treatment of cancers in children), pediatric neurology (the treatment of brain and nervous system disorders in children), and pediatric cardiology (the treatment of heart conditions in children).

In general, pediatricians perform the following procedures to take care of your child:

• Physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, infections, and other health problems
• Evaluate your child’s physical, emotional, and social development
• Give you information about your child’s health, fitness, safety, and nutrition needs
• Prescribe medications and antibiotics
• Give vaccinations
• Refer you to a specialist if they think your child needs expert care. 

How Long Should I Stay in Cairo?

In most cases, you and your child can leave the hospital or clinic right away after a pediatric procedure. Depending on the type of diagnostic test or medical treatment your child receives, you should plan to stay in Cairo for around 2 to 7 days. During your stay, your child may need to attend several follow-up checkups where the pediatrician checks if the treatment is working for them.  

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery times can be different from one child to another, depending on the overall health of your child, the specific condition they have, and the treatment they receive. For diagnostic tests, such as a physical exam, there is typically no recovery time needed. After vaccination, some children may develop a fever for 1 to 2 days. The pediatrician will let you know when your child can resume their normal activity level and go back to school after treatment.

What Aftercare is Required?

During your child’s recovery period, it is important that you monitor them closely. Make sure that they drink plenty of liquid, eat a healthy diet (as recommended by the pediatrician), and get plenty of rest. A regular visit to the pediatrician is important, every two to three months for children aged 1-month-old to 2 years old, every six months for 2 to 3 years old, and then once a year after the age of 4 up to 21. 

What's the Success Rate?

As the field of pediatrics continues to advance, the safety and success rate of pediatrics procedures continues to increase as well. With new technology, more knowledge, and a deeper understanding of pediatrics, the death rate of infants and children has been decreasing significantly in the last century. Of course, all procedures carry some type of risks and side effects. For instance, vaccinations have some side effects such as low-grade fever, soreness, temporary headache, or a severe allergic reaction. 

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to seeing a pediatrician that manages the health, growth, and development of your child. Should your pediatrician found something that needs specialized care, they will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Pediatrics in and around Cairo

About Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world is next to the Nile River. As home to the amazing Giza Pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis, this city is often associated with ancient Egypt. People from all around the world are drawn to this beautiful city, and they normally visit to get a closer look at its magical landmarks. However, aside from its history and culture, people also come to Cairo for its healthcare. The city is believed to have been one of the most popular medical tourism destinations since the Pharaonic era. It also enjoys an excellent reputation as a therapeutic destination and is filled with high-quality hospitals that are ready to handle and care for international patients. These hospitals are armed with innovative equipment, skilled specialists, and amazing services.

Popular Parts of Cairo

Cairo is a perfect combination of modern and ancient. Most people from all over the globe come to see the Great Pyramid of Giza. This awe-inspiring pyramid is one of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world that has been around for nearly 4000 years. Still in the same complex of the pyramid is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Another popular attraction is the Egyptian Museum, which has one of the most important collections of ancient artifacts in the world. In this museum, visitors can admire the gleaming treasures of Tutankhamun and other pharaohs, jewelry, toys, and mummies. Museum of Islamic Art and Al Azhar Mosque are other must-visit places within the city. 

Transport in Cairo

Cairo International Airport is the primary international gateway to Cairo. It serves both domestic and international flights to Asia and Europe. Several budget airlines, including Flynas and FlyEgypt, operate flights from this airport. Cairo has an effective and dependable public transport system. Buses and metro are available. Both are relatively affordable and comfortable. Taxis and Uber are plentiful. Taxis are normally metered, but some taxis refuse to use the meters. Therefore, always insist on using the meter or agree on a fare before commencing your journey.

Visas in Cairo

Visa exemption is given to citizens of several countries, such as Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption agreement must obtain a visa. Visa on arrival is available for several countries, including Japan and Australia. Egypt also provides an electronic visa for citizens of 46 countries.

Weather in Cairo

Cairo experiences a hot desert climate. Summer (May to October) is typically very hot with an average temperature of around 35°C. This temperature can sometimes exceed 40°C and comes with high humidity. Winter (November to April) brings pleasant and colder temperatures.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). 1 USD converts to 15.7 EGP.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily around the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in the midrange and high-end businesses. Tipping is generally expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Classical Arabic, but the most widely spoken is Egyptian Arabic. English is also widely spoken in the city.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is the state religion and it is the biggest religion in Cairo. However, there are also small groups of Jews and Christian in the city.
5. Public Holidays: Several religious and national holidays are celebrated in Cairo, including Eid, Coptic Christmas Day, and Revolution Day.