The private sector was not consulted regarding Defense Order 23, said a member of the Private Hospitals Association Nael Al-Masalha Monday.

The defense order, which the Prime Minister authorized earlier in the day, authorized the Minister of Health to designate hospitals, as a whole or in part, and its employees to cater to COVID-19 patients who have been referred by the ministry. It also streamlined the prices of coronavirus patients being treated at their own expense at private hospitals

The Prime Minister said it aims to tackle the fast spreading virus and ensure the availability of necessary healthcare for coronavirus patients.

Masalha told Roya that the association had met with the government 10 days ago, during which both agreed to coordinate with each other in order to improve the health system in Jordan and tackle the repercussions of the coronavirus crisis.

Private hospitals are investment projects involving Jordanian and foreign investors, which need to be compensated, said Masalha.

The government will utilize private hospitals for a period of four months to treat COVID-19 patients.