Jordan makes amendments to decision banning over-60s from treatment at prestigious cancer centre

The Jordanian government has made amendments to a new decision banning cancer patients over the age of 60 from receiving treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

20 February, 2018

The Jordanian government has made amendments to the controversial decision [King Hussein Cancer Centre]

The Jordanian government on Monday made amendments on a decision to ban cancer patients over 60 to be treated at the prestigious King Hussein Cancer Center after it caused outrage nationwide.

Amman decided last week to stop treating patients over the age of 60 at the leading centre for cancer treatment, saying they are covered by free healthcare and can instead be treated in a hospital.

The decision left 1,400 patients in uncertainty as to what may soon happen to them and their treatment, sparking criticism.

In the midst of the controversy, the King Hussein Cancer Center announced that it "had no opinion in the government decision", calling for cooperation and a sustainable mechanism to cover the treatment of cancer patients.

In reaction to the anger, the government has decided to omit patients currently being treated at the centre from the decision.

Amman also announced the formation of a medical committee for new patients over 60 that will determine the most efficient treatment for patients, whether in government hospitals or the King Hussein Cancer Center.

Official Jordanian statistics say cancer is the second leading cause of death in Jordan after heart disease. Lung and colon cancer are the most common among Jordanian men, while breast cancer is the most common among Jordanian women.