Egypt's Consul General in New York Ahmed Farouk has called on nationals residing in the US to cast their ballots in the parliamentary elections on October 17 and 18 at the consulate's HQ in New York.

Farouk on Friday took part in a seminar organized by the Egyptian American Medical Association (EAMA) in the presence of veteran heart surgeon Magdi Yacoub.

EAMA reflects medical professionalism reached by Egyptian doctors, the consul said.

Dr Magdi Yacoub is a source of pride for all Egyptians as he dedicated his life, time, efforts and experience to his country without waiting for anything in return, he added.

Yacoub treated thousands of financially unable Egyptians and established the Aswan heart center that gives us a sense of pride, Farouk said.

For his part, Yacoub said a new section for scientific research was opened at the Aswan Heart Center.

Expansions take place at the center all the time to accommodate the long waiting list, which includes about 3,000 cases, he added.

As many as 850 to 900 surgeries are performed at the center annually, Yacoub said hoping to bring that figure to 1,200.

Source: MENA