History

The need to build an Italian Hospital in Cairo by the advent of a source important Italian community in the late nineteenth century in the Egyptian capital.

This work, from design to the complete construction, was carried by the Italian Society of Charities (Società Italiana Beneficienza), established in Cairo in 1868.

On 23 December 1903 the Italian Hospital, dedicated to the King of Italy Umberto I, was inaugurated by his son the King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele III and opened to public offering initially performances of Medicine and Surgery.

At that time, the Hospital was occupying the main historic build in.

Over time, the prestige of the structure and quality of services offered has made that the initial 50 beds available, were not sufficient to respond promptly to the increasing demand.
Thus, followed over the years, development of new complexes in order to respond satisfactorily to the increasing health needs of the community from, as exmp, geriatrics to infectious diseases, obstetrics gynecology by up to cover all the main areas of intervention that feature a full hospital.

In the 70s throughout the hospital complex had more than 400 beds with numerous pavilions divided by the rich tree-lined streets and lush flowers that really contrasted with the desert area behind, at that time.

Initially, at the time of the foundation, the main purpose of the Hospital was to assist and treat the most vulnerable and needy people, but were later accepted also solvents patients attracted by the technical and practical garde offerred.

A presence that has always enriched the Hospital Umberto I, highly appreciated at all levels, was the Sisters of Nigrizia which, thanks to their dedication, have contributed to the name and prestige of the structure.

Today the Italian Hospital Umberto I is a modern reality in constant evolution and modernization to be more appropriate to the continued rapid evolution of medical practice. It ranks as a landmark for the community of the area in search for high technical performance level and quality, but also for the many tourists who, for several reasons are in need of medical care, sure to find the same standards found in their countries of origin.

The Italian Hospital Umberto I in Cairo, provides performance diagnosis, treatment, care, rehabilitation, health education and prevention, consistent with the level of technological equipment and economic resources of the facility.

Cooperation and integration of all the Professionals present and active in the hospital, allowing the achievement of the global cared character, that is, the most appropriate response to the health needs of each individual.

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The Italian Hospital “Umberto I” Milestone

1903

• Official opening on 23^rd December
• 3 departments and a pharmacy
• 5 doctors appointed by Rome University
• 50 beds
• 25 patients of different religious creeds
• 4 Italian Comboni sisters (nuns)

1910

• Opening of Surgery department B dedicated to Dr. Empedocle Gaglio (1868-1947), one of the founders of the hospital
• Theatre room B dedicated to Renato Prunas, the Ambassador of Italy in Egypt

1920

• Opening of Surgery department C dedicated to Ettore Pezzi, one of the great donors
• X Ray department
• Clinic Laboratory

1925

• Church of the hospital
• Laundry
• Mortuary rooms

1937

• Asylum for elderly people

1938

• Renovation and enlargement of the kitchen
• Dining room for the sisters (35)

1947

• Opening of Infectious Diseases Department
• Pulmonary Department
• Gynecology & Obstetrics Department

1969

• Opening of outpatient clinics
• 400 beds
• 44 sisters

1977

• Opening of nurses’ school

1979

• Opening of Dialysis Department with the cooperation of the Italian Government

1988

• Opening of the Cardiology Unit with the cooperation of the Italian Government

1997

• Opening of the Intensive Care Unit

2000

• New equipment for X Ray department such as CAT-Scan and Mammography

2012

• Construction and opening of the Central Sterilization

2013

• Renovation of the department and opening of the Cardiac Catheterization Center
• New building for the admission and discharge of the patients