Amman: The Irada parliamentary bloc convened on Thursday under the leadership of MP Khamis Attia to explore strategies for enhancing the health sector and improving the quality of services provided to citizens. The meeting was attended by Second Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Ahmed Humaisat, and Minister of Health, Firas Hawari.
According to Jordan News Agency, Attia stressed the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship between the executive and legislative branches to better serve public interests and enhance healthcare services. The meeting served as a platform to directly communicate citizens’ concerns to the relevant authorities.
Attia emphasized the value of direct dialogue with the Minister of Health to tackle issues within the sector, particularly the shortage of pediatricians and the need for medical equipment in underserved regions. Lawmakers participating in the meeting highlighted a variety of issues affecting citizens’ health and called for a stronger role for the Jordan Food and Drug Administration in regulating the pharmaceutical market and preventing monopolistic practices. They also discussed mechanisms for drug pricing.
In response, Minister Hawari mentioned that the Ministry has implemented technical solutions to address shortages in specific specialties, including the introduction of remote radiology services. He explained that Prince Hamzah Hospital now interprets over 45 percent of radiology images sent from five hospitals in Ajloun, Madaba, Jerash, Ma’an, and Tafilah, which has improved efficiency and reduced pressure.
Hawari further noted the expansion of high-quality services, such as open-heart surgery, cochlear implants, vascular procedures, neurosurgery, and oncology, has notably increased patient demand, necessitating enhanced human resources and infrastructure support.
He also highlighted the growing international confidence in Jordan’s pharmaceutical industry, with global companies beginning to manufacture their products using Jordanian production lines. Citing a local company, “X,” which produces several international medicines, Hawari explained that this has reduced production costs and improved access to affordable, high-quality drugs. For example, the price of a “steam” medication dropped from JD25 to JD15 following its local production, alleviating the financial burden on citizens and contributing to the Kingdom’s pharmaceutical security.