IRBID/JERASH (Petra) - Prime Minister Nader Dahabi on Saturday paid a visit to two of Irbid's largest hospitals to check on health services at the facilities.
The premier toured wards in the King Abdullah I Hospital and Princess Basma Hospital and checked on patients' conditions.
In light of the growing number of patients at Princess Basma Hospital, which now exceeds the hospital's bed capacity, Dahabi instructed hospital officials to activate an agreement to transfer patients to the King Abdullah I Hospital when deemed necessary.
Under an agreement signed between the Health Ministry and King Abdullah I Hospital, Princess Basma Hospital is entitled to transfer patients to the facility.
The premier instructed the administrations of both hospitals to hold a meeting soon to examine mechanisms to transfer patients without any delay.
Meanwhile, Princess Basma Hospital Director Akram Khasawneh briefed Dahabi on the hospital's services and needs.
He also referred to the hospital's future plans, including the establishment of a new building to meet the growing demand for health services in the area.
While touring the facility, Dahabi talked to patients and some of their families and checked on their needs.
At King Abdullah I Hospital, the premier toured the emergency ward, Princess Muna Al Hussein Cardiac Centre and the laboratories.
During the visit, hospital Director Mahmoud Shaib briefed the prime minister on the hospital, its capacity and equipment.
The premier was accompanied by Health Minister Salah Mawajdeh, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Rahim Okour and Irbid Governor Ali Fayez during the visits.
Also on Saturday, Dahabi inaugurated a road project which included the reconstruction and expansion of the southern entrance to Jerash.
The project seeks to facilitate traffic movement between Jerash and the capital, Housing and Public Works Minister Sahl Majali indicated.
The 5.2km-long road, which has five branches, is being built at a cost of JD5 million.
© Jordan Times 2008
