Amman:Health Minister Dr. Ibrahim Badour has announced that starting next Saturday, three health centers near Prince Hamzah Hospital will extend their operating hours. The centers will provide evening medical services from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
According to Jordan News Agency, the centers included in this initiative are Amman Comprehensive Health Center, North Hashmi Comprehensive Health Center, and Tabarbour Comprehensive Health Center. This measure aims to improve healthcare access for residents and alleviate pressure on the hospital's emergency department.
The Health Ministry's statement highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen primary healthcare services. Similar measures have been successful at other health centers near Al-Bashir Hospital, Zarqa Government Hospital, and Prince Faisal Hospital in Russeifa, where emergency departments have been burdened with high patient numbers. By extending the hours of nearby health centers, the ministry seeks to provide residents with accessible alternatives for non-emergency medical conditions.
Dr. Badour noted that approximately 65 percent of visits to emergency departments involve conditions that can be managed at primary healthcare centers, underscoring the importance of extended operating hours. This approach allows hospital emergency departments to concentrate on critical cases needing immediate attention.
Additionally, patients visiting the three centers will not need to present the usual white referral card to access services. This policy change is intended to simplify treatment access and further reduce the pressure on Prince Hamzah Hospital's emergency department.
During the extended evening hours, the centers will offer family medicine, general medical consultations, emergency services, and pharmacy services, including monthly prescription dispensing. Laboratory and radiology services will also be available to assist in patient diagnosis and management.
The Health Ministry plans to expand this initiative to other areas based on local healthcare needs, population density, and hospital attendance data. The expansion is aimed at improving healthcare service distribution and enhancing their quality and efficiency.
Dr. Badour encouraged residents near Prince Hamzah Hospital to utilize the three centers during their new evening hours and visit the hospital's emergency department only for urgent medical needs.