Amman: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, in the presence of HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KBW Investments, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Huneiti, witnessed the signing of two investment agreements in the health sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, the agreements mark a significant step in foreign investments, with a volume of up to JD133 million, aimed at enhancing the healthcare infrastructure in Jordan. The first agreement involves the establishment of the new Madaba Government Hospital, signed between the government and KBW, while the second agreement pertains to digital transformation in hospitals under the Royal Medical Services (RMS) Directorate, involving the Armed Forces and Farah Jordan Smart Cities Company.
The contract for the Madaba Government Hospital was inked by Minister of Investment Muthanna Gharaibeh, Minister of Health Firas Hawari, and KBW CEO Ahmad Sallakh. For the digital transformation of RMS hospitals, the agreement was signed by Brigadier General Ammar Sarayrah and Ahmad Sallakh.
Prime Minister Hassan emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the Kingdom's health sector, highlighting the critical need for the new government hospital in Madaba, which will be the first of its kind built in partnership with the private sector in about a decade. The hospital is expected to have 260 beds, expandable to 360, and will offer comprehensive services within three years.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed expressed KBW's commitment to investing in Jordan, noting the company's longstanding involvement in the Kingdom and its interest in expanding investments. The Madaba Hospital project is part of the Jordan Investment Fund Law and represents a pioneering partnership between the government and the private sector.
The hospital will feature 13 floors, covering 54,000 square meters, with eight main operating rooms, 60 outpatient clinics, and a variety of specialized medical units. Construction is set to begin this year, with completion projected in three years, significantly faster than the previously planned seven years.
The digital transformation agreement focuses on improving digital services within RMS hospitals, enhancing drug inventory management, and optimizing the management of medical supplies and assets. This initiative aims to reduce waste and improve efficiency across health facilities.
The government will commence payments to the company after the hospital's completion, spread over a decade, while the Ministry of Health will manage the hospital operations, ensuring the provision of necessary staff and equipment. The project is a testament to the government's commitment to strengthening the healthcare system through strategic partnerships and investments.