Amman: The government has announced a landmark agreement to provide comprehensive cancer treatment insurance for 4.1 million Jordanians through the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), effective January 1, 2026. The initiative, known as the "Ra'aya" (Care) program, is valued at JD 132.5 million and marks a significant step towards universal health coverage in the Kingdom.
According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center. Prime Minister Hassan described the agreement as a "fundamental and advanced step" towards comprehensive health coverage, with the potential for future expansion to include broader segments of the population. He also emphasized the KHCC's crucial role in cancer treatment and the government's commitment to supporting its efforts in expanding healthcare services.
Princess Ghida Talal hailed the agreement as the culmination of over 20 years of dedicated effort to secure cancer care for patients. She expressed gratitude to the government for this "major achievement," which will provide over 4 million Jordanians a fair chance at recovery. She also highlighted the agreement's importance as a comprehensive solution for cancer patients across the Kingdom, while reiterating the Foundation and Center's commitment to delivering top-tier holistic care and collaborating with oncology departments in Ministry of Health hospitals.
The "Ra'aya" program will prioritize specific high-risk groups, including individuals aged 60 and above, all Jordanian children aged 19 and under, and beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund, regardless of age. The government will cover approximately JD 124 million of the program's total cost, with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation contributing JD 8.5 million. This initiative represents a shift from the current system of medical exemptions to a sustainable insurance model, with beneficiaries receiving an electronic insurance card via the "Sanad" application.
For those insured militarily or civilly outside the covered age groups, existing insurance through respective institutions remains, with referrals to KHCC following established protocols. Uninsured cancer patients aged 20-60 will receive treatment in public sector hospitals, with referrals to KHCC if necessary. Patients currently undergoing treatment at KHCC will continue to receive government support until recovery, with an estimated cost of JD 200 million.
The government's total expenditure for cancer treatment this year, including agreements with KHCC, is nearly half a billion Jordanian Dinars, which includes JD 130 million in arrears from previous administrations. This initiative aligns with the government's economic modernization goals, aiming to enhance the quality of life for citizens and improve healthcare services.
The signing ceremony saw attendance from key figures including Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mohannad Shehadeh, Acting Minister of Interior and Minister of Health Mazen Al-Faraya, Minister of State for Legal Affairs Fayyad Al-Qudah, and several members of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation's Board of Trustees.