Jordan, Iraq explore healthcare, sector development cooperation

AMMAN — The Jordanian and Iraqi health ministers on Wednesday agreed to form a joint technical committee to identify areas of possible cooperation in the fields of healthcare and sector development.

The meeting between Minister Ghazi Zaben and Iraqi counterpart Aladdin Alwan was also attended by Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Safia Al Suhail, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Pending the committee’s recommendations, the two ministries are to sign a memorandum of understanding that will pave the way for the launch of an applicable work plan within a specific timeline, according to Petra.

Zaben highlighted the progress achieved in Jordan, in respect to the medical and healthcare fields, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, health insurance and medical staff. 

He underscored Jordan’s keenness to provide the Iraqi side with medical expertise based on the Iraqi health priorities, affirming the strong relations between the two countries, mainly in the medical field.

For his part, Alwan reaffirmed the deeply-rooted relations between Jordan and Iraq, adding that Iraq seeks to strengthen and institutionalise this cooperation on solid ground.

He also pointed out that Iraq looks to Jordan as an efficient partner in reforming the Iraqi healthcare system, adding that areas of cooperation with the Jordanian side will include medicine, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical staff training, health insurance and unified pharmaceutical purchase systems. 

Alwan also invited Zaben to visit Iraq to discuss with Iraqi health sector representatives ways of enhancing and developing cooperation.

Suhail reaffirmed the deep mutual ties between the two countries, underlining Jordan’s ability to assist Iraq in several health areas.