Jordan to provide free cancer treatment for over 4 million citizens

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

Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan and Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, oversaw the signing of the agreement between the government and the Foundation.

Hassan called the deal a "major step forward" in Jordan’s push toward universal health coverage, emphasizing that it lays the groundwork for future expansion to cover even broader segments of the population.

Princess Ghida praised the agreement as the culmination of over two decades of advocacy, calling it a "historic achievement" that will give more than four million Jordanians equitable access to life-saving treatment.

Approved earlier Monday by the Cabinet, the agreement will cover all Jordanians aged 60 and above, those most at risk, according to medical studies,as well as all children up to age 19. All National Aid Fund beneficiaries will also be eligible, regardless of age.

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

The initiative replaces the current exemptions-based system with a more sustainable, insurance-based model. Beneficiaries will receive digital insurance cards via the "Sanad" government app.

Citizens covered by military or civil insurance outside the age groups included in the agreement will continue to receive treatment through their respective institutions, with possible referrals to KHCC under standard medical protocols and budget allocations.

For uninsured cancer patients aged 20–60, treatment will be provided at public hospitals. Patients with conditions that cannot be treated in those facilities may be referred to KHCC, using the Ministry of Health’s budget or medical exemptions.

Those already receiving care at KHCC through official referrals before January 1, 2026, will continue treatment at government expense until recovery, an estimated cost of JD 200 million.

The government’s total cancer care expenditure this year has reached nearly JD500 million, including JD 130 million in outstanding payments carried over from previous administrations.

The decision aligns with Jordan’s broader economic modernization goals, particularly improving quality of life and delivering effective healthcare services.