AMMAN (JT) - His Majesty King Abdullah paid an incognito visit to the Health Ministry's Patients’ Affairs Department on Wednesday to check on services it offers citizens, sources told The Jordan Times.

Wearing a black thobe (traditional dress) and a red-and-white kuffiyah, and sporting a black beard, the King arrived at the department, located in Shmeisani behind Le Meridien, at around 10:00am, sat in the waiting area, then obtained an application from a front desk official, one source told The Jordan Times.

As he was waiting for the application, the source said, the disguised King, leaning on a walking cane, talked to those in the waiting area about services offered by the department, which helps cover medical fees, mainly for surgeries, of citizens not covered by any health insurance scheme.

“After filling in the application, the King queued up to see a doctor,” the source added.

Mingling with citizens, the King was discussing procedures at the department with citizens also waiting for their applications until some of them recognised him.

While at the department, the King helped a citizen fill up a form, another source said.

Officials at the Royal Court declined to comment on the visit, but sources said it lasted between 15-30 minutes, noting that such visits are regular by the King who seeks to meet citizens and listen to their needs.

“His Majesty aims to get first-hand information on services and facilities offered to citizens and procedures they face,” they said.

In 1999, King Abdullah paid an incognito visit to the Zarqa-based Free Trade Zone, where he was also sporting a false beard and disguised in a traditional white robe and a red-and-white kuffiyah. During the visit, the King mingled with investors at the zone.

Also in 2001, King Abdullah paid an incognito visit to the Income Tax Department, where he was accompanied by HRH Prince Ali. During the visit, the Prince presented a document asking for tax refunds, while the Monarch was conversing with the director of the refund section.

In addition to the undercover visits, the King also pays surprise visits to public facilities. In 1999, he paid three surprise visits to Amman’s Al Bashir Hospital within a period of six weeks in a bid to improve services at the overburdened health facility.