In 2003, Jordan’s total per capita expenditure on health care was Intl $412 (9.5 % of GDP).⁷³ Among the six MECC countries of Middle East, this figure falls within a spending range of Intl $1839 in Israel (8.7 % of GDP) and Intl $153 in Egypt (3.9 % of GDP). At 3.9 % the smallest spending as a percentage of GDP is in Egypt (Tables 9 and 10). There are no available figures for the Palestinian Authority.

Tables 9 and 10: Total health expenditure (Intl $) per capita and as a percentage of GDP: Six MECC countries of the Middle East, 2003

The WHO overall health system performance score places Jordan 83/191 countries. This composite measure of overall health system attainment⁷⁴ is based on a country’s goals relating to health, responsiveness, and fairness in financing. The measure varies widely across countries and is highly correlated with general levels of human development as captured in the human development index .

The Jordanian health system is operates through health insurance schemes, 59% provided through private health insurance.⁷⁵ Government health insurance schemes are available for government employees (civilian and military) and their families. Royal Court insurance provides funds for 90% of the costs for all cancer patients.⁷⁶

Health services are delivered through governmental and private hospitals, family/community health centres and hospital-based health professionals. Since the early 2000s the Ministry of Health has been developing a primary health care system through family health centres.⁷⁷