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Amman - Minister of Health Dr. Nayef Al-Fayez and U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft today inaugurated the recently-renovated Abu-Obaidah Hospital in Northern Aghwar. The renovation is part of the Health Systems Strengthening project, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project supports Jordan’s efforts to improve the overall quality of and access to health care services for all citizens in Jordan.
The hospital’s newly renovated delivery ward, neonatal unit, obstetrics and gynecology departments, and operating theater are now equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and furniture, crucial to the provision of services to women and newborns in Northern Aghwar . The hospital also received equipment to establish a perinatal information system. The total cost of the renovation and equipment provision of Abu-Obaidah Hospital is estimated at $1.15 million.
In remarks at the inauguration, Ambassador Beecroft said: “Our work at Abu-Obaidah Hospital is one of a series of investments to improve maternal and neonatal health in Jordan. Through this project, we are supporting the efforts of our Jordanian colleagues to make motherhood safer in all 30 Ministry of Health and Royal Medical Services hospitals offering obstetric and neonatal care.” The Ambassador congratulated Abu-Obaidah Hospital officials and added: “The U.S. will continue to support Jordan in its efforts to build a better health care system for all Jordanians.”
USAID’s five-year, $47.5 million Health Systems Strengthening project was launched in April 2005 in coordination with the Ministry of Health and The Royal Medical Services to enhance the quality and responsiveness of the public health care system in Jordan. To date, obstetric and neonatal wards have been renovated in eight hospitals; another three hospitals are scheduled for completion by March 2010.
Since 1997, USAID has provided nearly $275 million in grant funds to help improve the health sector in Jordan.
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