Medical expert warns against reopening Jordan to medical tourists

Jordan

Published: 2020-07-08 14:22

Last Updated: 2024-03-19 06:53


Medical expert warns against reopening Jordan to medical tourists
Medical expert warns against reopening Jordan to medical tourists

Jordan is not yet ready to receive medical tourism, a top medical expert has warned.

Epidemiologist Montaser Al-Balbisi said some hospitals in the Kingdom are not equipped to deal with the threat of coronavirus, while participating in Roya’s Nabd Al Balad programme on Tuesday evening.

"I disagree with opening medical tourism just for a few dollars," said Al-Balbisi, adding that it is very early to welcome medical tourists as not all hospitals have the resources to deal with quarantine areas.

However, the head of the Cancer Control Office at the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, Feras al-Hawari, said the coming winter will be more difficult for Jordanians than opening airports and tourism, adding that preparation is needed to protect the health system.

The state minister for Media Affair, Amjad Adaileh said 411 applications had been received from people wishing to visit Jordan for medical tourism in just two days. The majority of them are from Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Read more: Jordan welcomes medical tourists