The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has inaugurated the Saudi Radiotherapy Center for cancer patients at King Abdullah University Hospital, in the northern city of Ar-Ramtha, Jordan. The Center was inaugurated by SFD CEO Sultan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad during his recent visit to the country and was funded by a $13.4 million grant from the government of Saudi Arabia through the SFD. The Saudi Radiotherapy Center will provide vital services to more than 1,200 cancer patients annually and will contribute to improving health care in the northern region of Jordan. It will also establish King Abdullah University Hospital as a center for excellence, especially in the treatment of cancer. Speaking at the inauguration, Al-Marshad said the Center would have a significant impact, "This project is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's contribution to the development of health care services in Jordan. It will also increase cooperation between government institutions and medical colleges." "The SFD is proud of its active role in supporting sustainable development. It has worked with the Jordanian government to finance a number of priority projects in northern regions of the country, including the construction of Princess Basma Hospital and the upgrading of equipment at the Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology Department, King Abdullah University Hospital," Al-Marshad added. Jordan's Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Al-Hawari welcomed the investment made by Saudi Arabia through the SFD, saying, "Saudi Arabia is a critical partner for Jordan in many sectors including health, education and infrastructure." "The Saudi Radiotherapy Center represents a milestone in cancer care. It is equipped with the latest technology, a chemotherapy unit, a recovery unit, and a pharmacy. The center will have the capacity to treat thousands of patients a year, making an enormous difference to the lives of patients and their families." Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Jordan, Naif Bin Bandar Al-Sudairi said, "The opening of the Saudi Radiotherapy Center for cancer patients demonstrates the strength and depth of Saudi-Jordanian relations." "The Center has been provided with the latest diagnostic equipment for patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and together with its integrated range of medical specialties it will offer advanced care across the cities and regions of northern Jordan," Al-Sudairi explained. The SFD's investment in Jordan is estimated at around SR8 billion (more than $2 billion). It has provided 21 loans to finance 19 projects in energy, infrastructure, water, education, and health, and has supplied five grants worth $1.5 billion. The SFD is one of the largest contributors to sustainable development aid. It plays a key role in providing financial and technical assistance to development projects across the world. Since it was established in 1975 it has been committed to building stability, prosperity and providing socio-economic support to developing nations, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. — SG
