Press Release
American Ambassador, Minister of Health Open Renovated Obstetric and Neonatal Departments at Prince Faisal Hospital
April 30, 2009
ZARKA - Minister of Health Dr. Nayef Al-Fayez and American Ambassador Stephen Beecroft today inaugurated the recently-renovated Prince Faisal Hospital in Zarka, stressing continued American support for Jordan’s efforts to improve the quality of health care services for everyone in the Kingdom.
With assistance from USAID, Prince Faisal Hospital’s newly renovated delivery ward, obstetrics and pediatric departments, and operating theater are now equipped with state-of-the-art pieces of medical equipment and furniture, which are crucial to the safety and quality of the services provided to the women and newborns of Zarka. The renovation, which covered 2,000 square meters over a period of twelve months, was aimed at reducing mortality rates of mothers and their newborns to the lowest rates possible. The hospital’s upgrades meet the functional, infrastructure and infection prevention requirements according to international standards. In addition, USAID provided the staff with technical support to improve the quality of prenatal care provided at the hospital.
In remarks during the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Beecroft said: “Cooperation in health sector projects has been a cornerstone of the U.S.-Jordanian relationship for many years.” The Ambassador added: “Improving health services is a top priority for Jordan and the American people are proud to be part of this effort because it directly improves the lives of average people throughout the country, especially mothers and children.”
This renovation and equipment donation was part of USAID’s five-year, $45 million Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) project launched in April 2005 with the Government of Jordan to enhance the quality and responsiveness of the public health care system in Jordan. Since 1997, USAID has provided nearly $250 million in grant funds to help improve the health sector in Jordan.
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