Amman, Sept. 3 (Petra) -- Health Minister Ibrahim Bdour on Thursday announced completion of rehabilitation and development works at 16 comprehensive and primary health centers across Amman, Zarqa, Madaba, Irbid and Ramtha.
Carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO), the project was funded by the European Union at a total cost of about JD4.1 million.
During the ceremony held to announce the project's completion, Bdour said the ministry's focus on primary health care stems from the conviction that health centers serve as citizens' first point of entry into the health care system, adding that strengthening their role "directly" improves care quality and system efficiency.
He said the ministry is developing Jordan's health centers as part of an integrated system spanning prevention, health promotion and early detection through diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and, when needed, more specialized care.
Bdour said the enhanced role of health centers this year has helped ease overcrowding in emergency departments at several government hospitals by expanding their capacity to handle cases that can be managed within primary care system, which help hospitals focus on emergency and specialized cases.
He described investment in primary health care and infrastructure as a ministry priority for improving system efficiency and integrating care across all levels.
The 16-center project reflects the ministry's model for cooperation with international partners, particularly the EU and WHO, Bdour said, adding that project success is measured by its impact on the quality of care citizens receive.
He said the ministry will continue expanding and upgrading the health center network to strengthen its ability to meet citizens' needs, ensuring timely, appropriate care and more efficient use of health sector resources.
In turn, EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas said the EU supports the Jordanian government's efforts to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, describing primary health care as a cornerstone of prevention, screening, early detection and initial treatment. He said the rehabilitation of the 16 centers delivers concrete results under the EU-Jordan partnership, valued at $100 million over the past decade.
WHO Representative in Jordan Iman Shankiti said completing the project marks an important step toward strengthening primary health care as the foundation for universal health coverage.
Investing in health facility rehabilitation improves service quality and safety and ensures more equitable, sustainable access to essential health services for all residents of Jordan, including refugees and host communities, she said.
As for its scope, the project rehabilitated 8 comprehensive health centers and 8 primary health centers, aimed to strengthen infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and enhance the quality and safety of health services.
Work featured comprehensive infrastructure upgrades covering electrical, mechanical and civil works, improved air conditioning and ventilation systems, updated water and sanitation networks, and stronger backup power systems, alongside architectural improvements to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. Centers were also equipped with furniture, essential medical equipment and information technology systems.
The project also provided capacity-building for health and administrative staff through training programs in leadership, governance, service quality and patient safety, along with support for implementing treatment protocols for chronic and childhood diseases and reactivating community committees to boost public participation in health care.
Implemented under the partnership between the Health Ministry and WHO, the project is part of the "Enhancing Access to Quality Primary Health Care Services for Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Jordan" initiative, funded by the EU, aimed at improving access to high-quality primary health care and enhancing the efficiency, safety and sustainability of health care facilities.
//Petra// NQ
