Amman: His Majesty King Abdullah II visited the Samih Darwazah Oncology Centre at Al Bashir Hospital on Wednesday, directing the government to expand its capacity and enhance the services provided to cancer patients.
According to Jordan News Agency, the centre was developed in partnership with the Himmetna Health Association, the Ministry of Health represented by Al Bashir Hospital, the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC), and private sector partners. During the visit, the King was briefed by Minister of Health Ibrahim Bdour on the ministry's strategy to improve medical services in the Kingdom by enhancing infrastructure, increasing hospital capacity, and building the capacities of medical personnel.
Bdour stated that in line with the Royal directives, the ministry plans to expand the centre's capacity, aiming to treat around 1,500 patients annually, which would represent an increase of 30-35% from the current number of approximately 1,150 patients. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to bolster healthcare services across the Kingdom.
KHCC Assistant Director-General for Patient Affairs Munther Al Hawarat, seconded to run the centre at Al Bashir Hospital, briefed the King on the centre's adherence to KHCC treatment protocols and periodic quality reviews, which have elevated service levels. Since its inception in 2021, the centre's outpatient clinics have managed approximately 46,000 visits, admitting 2,752 cases for treatment, exceeding its current capacity.
Al Bashir Hospital Director Ali Al Abdallat discussed the leukaemia department's services, equipped according to international standards and operating under an integrated healthcare system supervised by specialised medical staff in partnership with KHCC.
Himmetna Health Association President and Founder Fadia Samara highlighted the association's role in establishing the centre, mobilising support from national institutions, the private sector, and individual donors. The centre was developed at a cost of JD2 million and includes 24 beds, a 15-bed chemotherapy unit, three outpatient clinics, and administrative facilities. Samara also emphasised the importance of the psychological and social support unit in providing essential counselling and support to patients.
The visit was accompanied by Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh.