Prof. Dr. Haytham Eloqayli

In my opinion, the development of the healthcare sector has two main pillars:

1. Internal Reform:
This involves improving the management of the healthcare sector and reorganizing its operations through the establishment of a government-run health insurance company—similar to “Daman” in the UAE. This company would cover all insured individuals in the public sector and could potentially be formed in partnership with the Social Security Corporation.

2. External and Internal Medical Tourism Development:
This, in my view, requires the creation of a medical city in a free zone. The goal is to bypass existing bureaucratic and regulatory barriers, which were originally designed for the domestic healthcare system.

Proposal Details:

Location of the Free Medical City:
If the sole aim is to build a medical city, it should be near the capital and the airport. However, if the vision (which I prefer) is to make it the nucleus of a modern city—similar to a mini-Dubai—then a location in the northeast of Jordan would be ideal. This would position it strategically between the airport, the capital, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria.

The absence of a natural body of water (like a sea or river) can be addressed by constructing large artificial lagoons. This new city would be a vital regional hub, especially considering the instability in many neighboring countries.

1.Infrastructure:
After selecting a suitable location, the government would build the necessary infrastructure. Private sector entities—both local and international—would then develop the city based on a pre-approved master plan. The aim is to allow the private sector to buy or lease land, generating revenue for the government and avoiding what happened in another country where a fully-built city struggled to attract private investment.

2.Tourism Facilities:
The city could feature resorts and artificial lagoons to support a comprehensive medical tourism experience. The region’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination, even for tourism alone.

3.Modern Governance:
A free zone allows the government to implement smart systems and modern laws, free from traditional socio-political pressures (e.g., non-meritocratic hiring). The system could operate similarly to other countries with open competitiveness, data flow, and licensing mechanisms, attracting qualified professionals from around the world.

4.Supporting Infrastructure:
The establishment of hospitals and medical centers will necessitate supporting infrastructure—modern schools, shopping centers, entertainment venues, hotels, and housing. These should be carefully planned in advance, as they are profitable ventures for the state.

5.Security and Control:
Being located away from densely populated residential areas improves security and facilitates the operations of government agencies. Entry visas for the city could be separated from those of the rest of the country, minimizing the risk of unauthorized or dangerous elements entering the country.

6.Investment Opportunities:
There are elite investors with capital looking for ventures that require specific standards. These often come with high social costs if integrated into existing frameworks. The medical city would serve as a gateway for such investments and create job opportunities within globally competitive standards, free from local social constraints.

7.Medical Education Hub:
The city could become a center for medical education, which is in high global demand. It could attract students from abroad, offering programs aligned with standards in Europe, the U.S., and the Gulf region.

While this may seem like a dream, every major project begins with a dream. What motivates me to present this idea is a conversation I had with an official in a Dubai-based TV channel. He told me that the idea of the Media City was originally proposed by His Majesty King Abdullah II. However, due to delays in implementing it in Jordan, the concept was transferred to Dubai, where it began with a single building and basic infrastructure. Over time, it grew to host media channels, companies, schools, and more—becoming not only a landmark but also a significant source of income and soft power.