King launches services of Air Ambulance Centre

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday launched the services of the Air Ambulance Centre, one of its kind in the region. 

Established upon Royal directives, the centre seeks to provide specialised rescue services, patient transfer and air ambulance operations, especially for the transfer of wounded persons and patients from remote areas to hospitals and medical centres. 

The centre will also support other concerned entities while carrying out related tasks.

Chairing a meeting of the centre's board and other stakeholders, the King stressed the importance of putting all capabilities at the centre's disposal so as to help it provide aerial ambulance services, especially in case of emergencies. 

The King highlighted the importance of putting in place the necessary infrastructure, mainly ramps for aircraft landing, and preparing qualified human resources, according to a Royal Court statement. 

He also stressed that the centre's mission should be carried out at high speed in the event of providing ambulance services in rural areas and when transferring wounded people by air to specialised medical centres to ensure their safety and alleviate their suffering. 

King Abdullah was briefed on the centre’s work plan, in partnership with other concerned entities, to boost public services and provide optimal performance.

The centre charges fees for its services which are designed to help boost medical tourism, a key source of national income.    

The centre’s membership base includes several entities, namely the Royal Jordanian Air Force, Royal Medical Services, Health Ministry, Private Hospitals Association (PHA) and Civil Defence Department. 

The meeting was attended by King’s military adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben, Health Minister Ali Hiasat and several concerned officials. 

Retired Brigadier General Mohammad Btoush, the centre’s director, expressed the board’s appreciation of the King’s initiative and visit, saying it reflects the King’s constant commitment to upgrading services extended to citizens, especially in the sector of medical care. 

The King, who had donated two fully equipped aircraft to the centre, was briefed on the preparedness of the facility, which has established of fully integrated headquarters, with operations rooms, and trained a team of medics specialised in all aspects of rescue operations. 

Board member Fawzi Hammouri, who is also PHA president, commended the Royal initiative, pointing out that Jordan’s medical industry needs such a qualitative addition. 

Hammouri also lauded the King’s donation of the two ambulance aircraft, which, he noted, are equipped with intensive care units and state-of-the-art medical equipment.