Irbid: His Majesty King Abdullah II inaugurated the Princess Basma Hospital in Irbid, marking it as the second-largest public hospital in Jordan. He further directed the government to establish a cancer centre there, modeled after Al Bashir Hospital's Samih Darwazah Oncology Centre.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a meeting with local community leaders and representatives at El Hassan Youth City, King Abdullah emphasized the hospital's potential to enhance healthcare in the northern governorates. The King expressed his appreciation for Irbid's growth, underscoring the necessity for infrastructure development and road maintenance to meet required standards.
His Majesty also stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public and tourist areas, which reflects Jordan's civic pride and positive image. Additionally, during his Irbid visit, the King inaugurated the Permanent Exhibition for Agricultural and Rural Products, supported by the Royal Hashemite Court. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irbid Development Corporation, and Greater Irbid Municipality, aims to empower farmers, housewives, and associations to market their products year-round.
The King touched upon Jordan's regional and international relations, noting efforts over the past year to diversify and strengthen political and economic partnerships, pursue opportunities, and attract investment. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan highlighted that the government, under the King's directives, held Cabinet meetings in all governorates last year. In Irbid, a three-year development plan comprising 140 projects valued at around JD700 million was agreed upon with local elected bodies and lawmakers.
Hassan confirmed that the government would fulfill the King's directives to establish a cancer centre at Princess Basma Hospital in cooperation with the King Hussein Cancer Centre. This initiative aims to ensure that quality services are provided. The Prime Minister also emphasized the significance of the Permanent Exhibition for Agricultural and Rural Products and a planned new central market in promoting agricultural products, thus adding value to the agricultural sector in the northern governorates.
Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi provided insights into Royal initiatives in Irbid since 2006, which have a total value exceeding JD68 million. He also discussed the newly opened eco-lodge at Yarmouk Nature Reserve, which is expected to promote eco-tourism, market community-made products, and create 50 new job opportunities for Yarmouk and Umm Qais residents.
During the hospital's inauguration, Health Minister Ibrahim Badour briefed the King on the facility's capabilities. The hospital, comprising nine floors and 504 beds, aims to provide advanced treatment and diagnostic services at the highest standards. The total construction and equipment cost was approximately JD100 million, funded by the government and the Saudi Fund for Development.
While touring the Permanent Exhibition for Agricultural and Rural Products, His Majesty learned about the exhibition's impact. The facility, spanning 4,500 square metres and featuring product display halls, warehouses, conference rooms, and training workshops, aims to provide job opportunities and new marketing prospects for producers. This initiative is expected to stimulate economic and tourist activity, promoting the agricultural sector's sustainability.
Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh and Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Kneiaan Bluwi were present at the meeting.