WHO, Gov’t hold dialogue to strengthen regulatory system; enhance pharmaceutical production

The World Health Organization (WHO) held a High-Level Dialogue Meeting with the Government of Jordan and National Stakeholders, as part of the visit by a WHO delegation led by Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director General of WHO for Access to Medicines and Health Products Division. Aimed at strengthening the national regulatory system and bolstering the production capacity of the pharmaceutical industries in Jordan.

At the core of this high-level dialogue is the joint commitment to providing comprehensive support in strengthening Jordan's national regulatory and supervisory system to advance the pharmaceutical and medical industries. This dialogue aligns with the vision of economic modernization outlined in the High Royal Directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

Dr. Feras Hawari, Minister of Health, spoke during the dialogue, calling for all efforts to be combined by the various relevant parties to cooperate within the framework of supporting the efforts of the General Food and Drug Administration, which aims to pass the assessment of the World Health Organization, and raise the level of Jordan’s classification in the pharmaceutical industry to the third level, and the impact of this on strengthening and strengthening the system. Regulatory and oversight of medicine as an essential and important part of the national health system.

Dr. Al-Hawari added, “Raising the level of pharmaceutical classification in Jordan will help open new markets and increase exports, whether regionally or globally, as Jordan aspires to be a major regional center for providing medicines and vaccines to all and creating new job opportunities in the health sector directly or indirectly. In addition to contributing to attracting new investments to the health and pharmaceutical sectors.”

"This collaborative endeavor represents a major advancement towards fortifying Jordan's national regulatory system and empowering local production capabilities," stated Dr Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative to Jordan. Dr Al-Raiby added that "Through our strong and continuous national partnership, WHO stands ready to provide unwavering support to Jordan based on the commitment of the government to implement the necessary measures to achieve the goals of the High Royal Vision.”

Dr Nakatani, emphasized, "This dialogue signifies a milestone in the journey of the national regulatory system and enhancing the productive capacity of the member states. Through sustained collaboration, we are all moving closer to achieving tangible improvements in public health and well-being outcomes towards realizing the vision of health for all."

Director General of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Nizar Mahmoud Mahidat, applauded World Health Organization for their “Continuous efforts to strengthening the role of the regulatory authorities and prioritizing Jordan in the evaluation and accreditation program to maintain its distinguished position in the pharmaceutical sector, as one of the most important tributaries of the national economy.” Pointing to JFDA’s pivotal role in monitoring medicine and developing the pharmaceutical industries, calling for concentrating and uniting efforts to achieve this goal, which is a qualitative addition to the efforts of the Jordanian government in its plans towards reform.

Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Public Sector Modernization, Mr Nasser Shraideh, the high-level Dialogue Meeting witnessed active participation from all concerned parties, including the Ministry of Health and various ministries of the Jordanian Government, in addition to the influential and pivotal role played by the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration in facilitating and implementing regulatory procedures and dialogue outcomes, with the participation of CEOs of national companies in the pharmaceutical sector.

This High-Level mission serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between WHO, the Government of Jordan, and national stakeholders, united in their efforts to enable equitable access to high-quality, affordable medical products in sustainable ways to ensure better economic progress.