Amman: Health Minister Ibrahim Bdour on Thursday announced the completion of rehabilitation and development works at 16 comprehensive and primary health centers across Amman, Zarqa, Madaba, Irbid, and Ramtha.
According to Jordan News Agency, the project was carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by the European Union at a total cost of about JD4.1 million. During the ceremony held to announce the project's completion, Bdour emphasized that the ministry's focus on primary health care is rooted in the belief that health centers serve as the first point of entry for citizens into the health care system. He noted that strengthening their role directly improves care quality and system efficiency.
Bdour highlighted that the ministry is working on developing Jordan's health centers as part of an integrated system that encompasses prevention, health promotion, early detection through diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and, when necessary, more specialized care. The enhanced role of health centers this year has contributed to easing overcrowding in emergency departments at several government hospitals by expanding their capacity to manage cases suitable for the primary care system. This allows hospitals to concentrate on emergency and specialized cases.
He described investment in primary health care and infrastructure as a priority for the ministry to enhance system efficiency and integrate care across all levels. The 16-center project exemplifies the ministry's model for collaboration with international partners, particularly the EU and WHO. Bdour added that the success of such projects is measured by their impact on the quality of care citizens receive.
The minister confirmed that the ministry will continue to expand and upgrade the health center network to strengthen its capacity to meet citizens' needs, ensuring timely and appropriate care while making more efficient use of health sector resources.
EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas expressed the EU's support for the Jordanian government's efforts to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, describing primary health care as essential for prevention, screening, early detection, and initial treatment. He stated that the rehabilitation of the 16 centers delivers tangible results under the EU-Jordan partnership, valued at $100 million over the past decade.
WHO Representative in Jordan Iman Shankiti remarked that completing the project marks a significant advancement in strengthening primary health care as the foundation for universal health coverage. She stated that investing in health facility rehabilitation enhances service quality and safety, ensuring more equitable, sustainable access to essential health services for all residents of Jordan, including refugees and host communities.
The project involved the rehabilitation of eight comprehensive health centers and eight primary health centers, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the quality and safety of health services. The work included comprehensive infrastructure upgrades such as electrical, mechanical, and civil works, improved air conditioning and ventilation systems, updated water and sanitation networks, and stronger backup power systems. Architectural improvements were also made to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities, and centers were equipped with furniture, essential medical equipment, and information technology systems.
Additionally, the project provided capacity-building for health and administrative staff through training programs in leadership, governance, service quality, and patient safety. It also supported the implementation of treatment protocols for chronic and childhood diseases and reactivated community committees to boost public participation in health care.
Implemented under the partnership between the Health Ministry and WHO, the project is part of the "Enhancing Access to Quality Primary Health Care Services for Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Jordan" initiative, funded by the EU, aimed at improving access to high-quality primary health care and enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of health care facilities.