Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum Hosts Panel Discussion Entitled "Comprehensive and Equitable Coverage for Cancer Treatment in Jordan"

Amman - April 10, 2019 - The Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society, in cooperation with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF), held a national dialogue session to discuss the elements of cancer in Jordan and the ways in which comprehensive, equitable coverage can be provided for cancer patients in across the country.

The forum was conducted under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, with the participation of Mrs. Nisreen Qatamish, Director General of KHCF, and His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Al Tarawneh, Secretary General of the High Health Council, in addition to representatives from the Ministry of Health, members of Parliament (MPs) as well as experts from various medical and economic sectors.

The event coincides with World Health Day, celebrated on April 7 every year, to promote the significance of providing comprehensive health coverage for all patients, under the theme 'Ensuring Health for Everyone'.

In his opening speech, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his contentment to be hosting the session, stressing on the importance of its main topic of discussion, as it should be a vital priority for all stakeholders, encouraging them to find innovative and creative solutions in providing comprehensive health coverage for cancer patients, and further emphasising their right to obtain equitable access to high quality treatment.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also referred to the financial and economic aspects required to accomplish this goal, wherein we need to improve public expenditure efficiency, maximize resources, and develop sustainable funding programs to achieve the targeted development and health goals amidst current economic challenges.

To conclude his speech, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh commended the KHCF’s noble efforts in combating and treating cancer under the leadership of HRH Princess Ghida Talal. These great endeavours regionally reputed the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) as a highly regarded medical and scientific institution.

In regards to the topic, Director General of KHCF, Mrs. Qatamish said that : “Cancer does not distinguish between the rich and poor nor the young and old. She added that: “ Cancer treatment is a joint national responsibility which requires national institutions and individuals to unite their efforts in order to ensure the best use of available resources, and to establish a clear mechanism that enables all patients to gain access to high quality healthcare,  so as to reach the foundations of justice and sustainability.”.

Dr. Tarawneh insisted that: “Cancer treatment coverage is a priority on the comprehensive healthcare coverage agenda, requiring all sectors to join forces in order to ensure citizens’ healthcare rights and contribute to fulfilling the planned objectives of the national healthcare reform course.”.

It is noteworthy to mention that a total of 5500 new cancer cases are annually registered in Jordan among citizens. The King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) receives approximately 60-65% of registered patient cases of different ages from various governorates every year. In addition, the cost of treatment varies depending on the type of cancer, its stage, and plan of treatment, wherein the total cost is divided among pharmaceutical expenses, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment at 60%, diagnostic tests, medical procedures, and medical consumables at 20%, as well as 20% for operating expenses.