Jordan Signs Landmark Deal to Provide Free Cancer Care for 4.1 Million Citizens!

In a historic move, the Jordanian government has announced a landmark agreement to provide free cancer treatment for 4.1 million citizens at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), starting January 1, 2026.

The agreement was signed under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan and Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center. Approved earlier today by the Cabinet, the deal marks a significant expansion of public health services and embeds cancer care coverage into Jordan’s national health insurance framework.

“This is a major step forward in our drive toward universal health coverage,” said Prime Minister Hassan, highlighting that the agreement sets the foundation for future expansion to reach even more segments of the population.

Princess Ghida praised the agreement as the culmination of over two decades of tireless advocacy, calling it a “historic achievement” that will guarantee equitable access to life-saving treatment for millions of Jordanians.

💡 Who Will Benefit?

Under the newly established public cancer health insurance program, treatment will be fully funded for:

• All Jordanians aged 60 and above, considered most at risk according to medical studies

• All children from birth to age 19

• All beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund, regardless of age

• Uninsured, economically disadvantaged citizens aged 20–60, who will receive care at public hospitals. If treatment is unavailable there, they may be referred to KHCC under the Ministry of Health’s budget or via medical exemptions

Jordanians already undergoing treatment at KHCC through official referrals before the program starts on January 1, 2026, will continue receiving care at government expense until full recovery—an estimated cost of 200 million JODs.

💰 Funding the Program

The program is projected to cost 132.5 million JODs, with 124 million JODs covered by the government and the remaining 8.5 million JODs contributed by the King Hussein Cancer Foundation.

In total, the government’s cancer care expenditure this year is expected to reach nearly 500 million JODs, which includes 130 million JODs in outstanding obligations from previous years.

📲 How It Will Work

The new initiative will replace the current exemptions-based system with a sustainable, insurance-based model. Eligible individuals will receive digital insurance cards via the government’s “Sanad” app, streamlining access to care.

Those with military or civil insurance outside the covered age groups will continue to receive treatment through their respective systems. Referrals to KHCC will still be possible under standard medical protocols and based on available budgets.

🩷 Why This Matters

This initiative directly addresses one of Jordan’s most urgent healthcare challenges—cancer treatment accessibility. By removing financial barriers and ensuring coverage for vulnerable groups, the government is taking a decisive step toward equity in healthcare.

The agreement also aligns with Jordan’s broader economic modernization agenda, particularly goals aimed at improving quality of life and delivering efficient and inclusive health services.

Source: Roya News