Mulki inaugurates first phase of Princess Rahma hospital expansion

AMMAN — The first phase of the $8.5-million expansion of the Princess Rahma Paediatric Hospital in Irbid, funded by USAID, was inaugurated on Sunday by Prime Minister Hani Mulki , the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The prime minister unveiled the plaque announcing the completion of the initial phase and the beginning of the delivery of services to the public. He also toured the hospital’s facilities and checked on the new extension, accompanied by several ministers and officials from Irbid and USAID.

Implemented by the Public Works Ministry in Irbid, 80km north of Amman, the two-year long project included expanding operating rooms and the intensive care unit, increasing the capacity to 112 beds, of which the expansion covered 35 per cent. 

Health Minister Mahmoud Sheyyab said the health sector in the Kingdom has witnessed a “qualitative leap” on a regional level because of the country’s efforts to realise His Majesty King Abdullah’s Royal directives. 

The hospital is the only one specialised in paediatrics in Jordan, Sheyyab said, commending USAID’s support.

For his part, Public Works Minister Sami Halaseh, whose ministry was responsible for the extension works, noted that its personnel were given the opportunity to improve the standards of engineering, which will result in achieving growth and development across various sectors. 

USAID Acting Administrator Wade Warren said that a total of $812 million has been presented to Jordan’s various sectors from the US’s foreign aid agency, $80 million of which has been earmarked for health sector projects.

Princess Rahma Paediatric Hospital Director Abdullah Shorman said the number of patients has increased by 20 per cent over the past five years, due in part to the Syrian refugee influx and the increase in occupancy rates to 94 per cent.