Jordan’s Health Ministry launches National Health Accounts and COVID-19 spending review, setting the stage for a new reform plan to strengthen health financing and expand universal health coverage.
The Jordanian Ministry of Health has officially launched the National Health Accounts for 2020–2022, a COVID-19 spending review, and a health financing progress matrix in collaboration with the Jordan Center for Disease Control (JCDC). The reports provide a comprehensive view of the country’s health spending and will inform the Health Financing and Universal Health Coverage Reform Plan for 2024–2030.
Health Minister Dr. Firas Hawari highlighted that Jordan’s total health expenditure reached JD2.67 billion in 2022, representing 7.7% of GDP—higher than regional and global averages. He noted that 40% of this spending went to primary healthcare, reflecting the country’s growing investment in preventive care. COVID-19-related spending from 2020–2022 totaled JD597 million. Direct out-of-pocket spending was kept below 36% through public investment in free treatment and essential services in Jordan.
The reform roadmap includes the creation of a new insurance fund for uninsured individuals and a phased expansion of coverage starting with primary and preventive services. The Ministry is also working with WHO to strengthen institutional capacity for health economics and evidence-based planning. Experts from JCDC and the health sector presented key findings and recommendations to guide future reforms.
