Through this event, Jordan records an important milestone in the field of achieving pharmaceutical security and strengthening and developing medical supply chains. This "Strategic Medical Supplies Warehouse" is the first of its kind in the public sector and a step forward towards achieving an advanced and reliable system for managing supply chains, characterized by precision and speed, based on the standards of WHO, which are among the most important pillars of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

At a cost of 1.8 million Jordanian dinars, this warehouse is equipped with advanced technology and a medical transport fleet of 24 refrigerated vans for distributing medicines and medical supplies, covers an area of ​​4,800 square meters and has a storage capacity of 2,150 cubic meters that can be increased by 20% for emergency needs. This central warehouse serves governmental warehouses, hospitals, health directorates, and primary healthcare centers.

This warehouse is a major component of the plan to “Improve and develop the management of medical supply chains in Jordan”, an initiative emanating from the royal directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II represented by the Economic Modernization Vision. It is also in line with the flagship initiative of the Regional Director of WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hanan Balkhy, “expanding equitable access to medical products”.

“We were honored by the visit from His Majesty King Abdullah II to inaugurate the largest medicine warehouse in the public sector. This warehouse aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision, the Universal Health Coverage plan, and the Ministry of Health's strategy, to ensure a secure and effective supply of medicine with sustainable supply chains, providing the best opportunity for the sustainability and availability of medicine. This project comes in collaboration with our partners, especially the World Health Organization, and is in line with the flagship of the Regional Director of WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hanan Balkhy, to expand equitable access to medical products” said His Excellency Professor Feras Hawari, Minister of Health.

For his part, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, the European Union Ambassador to Jordan, said: "Today marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards universal health coverage. With the inauguration of this medical warehouse, which is a part of a project funded by the European Union with EUR 43 million, we take a significant step toward ensuring that healthcare is not a privilege, but a right for everyone. The European Union is proud to support this project, which symbolizes our dedication to promoting the health and well-being of Jordanians and Syrian refugees. Together, we are investing in a healthier future for all."

Dr Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative to Jordan, stressed the importance of this achievement, saying: “The opening of this warehouse, which is the first of 14 facilities that will be established and rehabilitated across Jordan with support from WHO and generous funding from the European Union, comes as part of a pioneering initiative within the three main flagship initiatives of the WHO Regional Director, aims to enhance equitable access to essential medical products by enhancing procurement and supply systems, bolstering local production capacity, and strengthening regulatory systems across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.”

“With all of these facilities operational by March 2025, including an advanced regional vaccination center in Irbid, this national network will form the backbone of a comprehensive health system that adheres to the highest international standards,” Dr Al-Raiby added. “This reflects the importance of strong partnerships and concerted efforts to meet populations’ needs and ensure their access to essential medicines. The new warehouse and supply chain improvement plan will play a critical role in enhancing health outcomes and protecting the health and well-being for all.”

This achievement, led by the Ministry of Health, reflects Jordan’s commitment to protecting the health of everyone, everywhere, especially the most vulnerable groups. It also enables essential and necessary medicines to reach those in need while ensuring their quality, effectiveness and safety, to protect communities and enhance the national health sector’s ability to better withstand any health crises.