Daily dose of national anthem in hospitals stuns Egyptians

CAIRO — A decision by Egypt’s new health minister to have intercoms in state hospitals play the national anthem every morning, followed by a recitation of the Hippocratic oath, has set off a storm on social media across the country.

The minister, Hala Zayed, insisted Tuesday’s decision will help promote “patriotism and loyalty” of all hospital staff members as well patients in the state-owned facilities. She also stressed the recitation of the Hippocratic oath — generally taken by all new physician receiving a medical degree and attributed to Hippocrates of ancient Greece, often called the Father of Medicine — would remind doctors of their “professional ethical code and humanitarian role.”

Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed defended the decision, saying it’s “in the interest of doctors” and would be enforced in all state hospitals in Egypt.

However, many Egyptians took to networking sites on Wednesday, ridiculing the move. Some suggested Zayed should instead focus on improving conditions in derelict and overcrowded state hospitals, which often lack basic supplies.