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Al-Ahram Weekly 24 - 30 June 1999 Issue No. 435 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 24 - 30 June 1999 Issue No. 435
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Profile Features Interview Travel Sports Time Out Chronicles People Cartoons Letters Encouraging NGO participation
By Rania Khallaf
AFTER planting a tree in Heliopolis on Sunday, Mrs Suzanne Mubarak inaugurated the first hospital in the Middle East for the treatment of children's tumours. The planting of the tree marked the beginning of a five-year plan to plant 200,000 trees annually in various parts of the country. The programme, the first phase of which will cost LE3 million, is sponsored by the Heliopolis Society for the Development of Local Services, which is chaired by Mrs Mubarak.
At the inauguration of the hospital, Mrs Mubarak said that the two projects reflected efforts made by the non-governmental sector, and urged other countries to acknowledge these efforts.
Such achievements were evidence of the democratic, peaceful and secure environment provided by the government, she said, rejecting charges by some foreign organisations that the new NGO law was restrictive.
Mrs Mubarak also urged young men and women to "participate in easing the pain of children afflicted by cancer".
"The achievements of the NGOs are greater than those in any of the developing countries," she said. "I am so proud of the role played by our businessmen, who are keen on supporting the executive bodies in implementing developmental projects, reflecting their obligations to society."
The total cost of the hospital, built on a 10,000 square-metre area, will amount to LE100 million. Construction will be completed in two years. Businessmen donated LE15 million and Cairo University will provide medical equipment, valued at LE30 million. The hospital will cater to the needs of cancer-afflicted children, by providing diagnostic, psychological, environmental and educational services in addition to medical treatment.
