Jordan seeks to reach comprehensive health insurance by 2030 — Hawari

AMMAN — Health Minister Feras Al Hawari on Saturday said that access to comprehensive health insurance is a "national priority", which Jordan seeks to reach by 2030 by signing a number of international conventions.

Speaking during the "Towards Comprehensive Health Coverage in Jordan" conference, Hawari noted that His Majesty King Abdullah,in the Letter of Designation to Prime Minister Al Bisher Al Khasawneh's government, directed it to expand the base of subscribers to the health insurance programme. 

The event is organised by the Jordan Association for Medical Insurance (JAMI), in cooperation with stakeholders, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Hawari said that the government provides free health coverage to any patient suffering from a disease with a high treatment cost, primarily cancer, kidney failure and chronic blood diseases.

He noted that Jordan, over the past few years, covered nearly 650,000 children under free health insurance, adding that the Kingdom also provided coverage to citizens over 60 years old.

Former prime minister Omar Razzaz said that the journey towards comprehensive health insurance coverage in Jordan started decades ago, referring to efforts exerted in this field but not completed. 

Former health minister Saad Jaber said that Jordan spends 8.2 per cent of the gross domestic product on health, which is a "high percentage", noting that the government will subsidise health insurance subscriptions according to the monthly incomes of households. 

In this regard, Jaber said that the Health Ministry annually spends some JD2.5 billion to provide "distinguished" health services to citizens.

JAMI President Fawaz Ajlouni highlighted the importance of creating a fair and sustainable health system to address all health threats that the Jordanian society suffers from.