Amman, May 4 (Petra) -- A total of 942 patients have been successfully enrolled into a newly launched state-backed cancer insurance program since the start of the year, a strategic shift aimed at providing preemptive medical coverage for millions of citizens.

The "Reaya" (Care) program, developed in partnership with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF), seeks to replace the kingdom’s traditional system of post-diagnosis medical exemptions with a sustainable, proactive insurance model. The initiative ultimately targets 4.1 million Jordanians, prioritizing social protection and health equity for the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Nisreen Qatamesh, Director General of the KHCF, told Petra that the program represents a critical transformation in the national healthcare system. "The program is built on a foundation of prevention and early protection, ensuring patients can access highly specialized treatment without additional financial burdens," Qatamesh said.

Data released on Monday shows that the elderly are the primary beneficiaries of the new framework. Of the 942 patients currently receiving care at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), 722 are aged 60 or older. The youth demographic, aged 19 and under, accounts for 135 patients, while 85 beneficiaries fall within the 20-to-60 age bracket, largely consisting of National Aid Fund recipients.

The insurance currently covers Jordanians aged 60 and older (born in 1965 or earlier) and those aged 19 and younger (born in 2007 or later) who lack military or private health insurance. It also extends to beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund and their families.

To maintain the program's focus on new cases, coverage is limited to those diagnosed after January 1, 2026, though a "five-year remission" clause allows previously treated patients to re-enter the pool if they have been cancer-free without treatment for more than five years.

In line with Jordan’s broader digital transformation, Qatamesh confirmed that the insurance is managed exclusively through the government’s "Sanad" application.

No physical insurance cards are being issued. New patients can apply for coverage by submitting medical reports and identification via digital channels, including WhatsApp and email, to ensure immediate processing.

For patients already undergoing treatment under older government or Royal Court exemptions, the KHCF has implemented a seamless transition.

While existing exemptions remain valid through the end of 2025, the KHCC will automatically take over the management of these cases starting January 2026, ensuring that treatment plans continue uninterrupted until patients reach survivorship clinics.

The program operates alongside Jordan's existing civil and military health sectors. Patients with civil insurance will continue to be treated at Ministry of Health facilities, with referrals to the KHCC reserved for complex cases.

Military personnel will remain under the care of the Military Oncology Center, while optional subscribers to the KHCF’s private programs will continue to receive exclusive treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center.

//Petra// AA