Amman, Nov. 19 (Petra) – The Ministry of Health on Wednesday launched the National Clinical Practice Protocol for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at the primary healthcare level, during a ceremony held at the Jordanian Health Forum at the Ministry’s headquarters to mark World COPD Day.
Secretary-General of the Health Ministry for Administrative and Technical Affairs, Ilham Khraisat, said the launch of the guidelines is the culmination of extensive work and integrated efforts between the Ministry and its partners to strengthen the capabilities of the health sector and enhance its readiness to address emerging health challenges, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision and the Ministry’s goal of ensuring a healthy and safe society with access to comprehensive, high-quality care.
Khraisat explained that the development of the guidelines came in response to an urgent need to improve treatment pathways and reduce complications, following a study of the current state of health services conducted in cooperation with the World Health Organization. The study aimed to identify gaps and assess the distribution of medical personnel, particularly pulmonologists, to support decision-makers in advancing healthcare practices.
She added that establishing unified national guidelines based on best scientific practices and international standards represents a strategic step to improve healthcare quality by standardizing treatment approaches, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and supporting medical decision-making, which will have a positive impact on patients’ health and quality of life.
She noted that these guidelines form part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Health to strengthen primary healthcare services, develop human resources, and ensure equitable, effective treatment for all citizens, in addition to supporting scientific research, advancing digital health systems, and expanding early detection programs.
Iman Shankiti, the World Health Organization Representative in Jordan, said Jordan is among the leading countries in the region in strengthening chronic respiratory disease programs at the primary healthcare level.
She added that reinforcing the implementation of these protocols will not only improve patient outcomes but will enhance system-wide efficiency and raise healthcare standards by ensuring timely access to specialized care, reducing complications, improving the patient experience and quality of life, and supporting efforts toward universal health coverage.
//Petra// AJ
