Jordan Modernizes Healthcare System Utilizing American Technology
In 2009, Jordan’s Electronic Health Services (EHS) launched the country’s first e-health initiative “Hakeem,” which sought to automate the public healthcare sector through the use of modern IT solutions. With USTDA’s assistance, the project has blossomed into a nationwide program that manages over seven million registered electronic patient records using American technology to improve patient care. In June 2024, USTDA provided additional assistance to expand and strengthen the program.
EHS began Hakeem through a pilot project at three clinics in 2009. Faced with the challenge of a nationwide rollout, they turned to USTDA for assistance. The Agency responded by funding a feasibility study that helped guide the process that has installed electronic health records systems in more than 260 facilities, including hospitals, comprehensive clinics and primary care clinics.
USTDA’s Support Produced Results
USTDA’s investment has helped to enhance the effectiveness and quality of healthcare management systems, created patient-oriented records and reduced the cost of delivering health services across Jordan. The resulting computerization has also streamlined physician evaluation of patients and improved health outcomes.
More than 37,500 users have been trained on the Hakeem program. As the initiative continues to be implemented across Jordan, more patient records will be computerized and additional health professionals will receive training. This has resulted in consulting services and new technology provided by 29 U.S. companies in 11 states: California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
Hakeem Enhanced Jordan’s COVID-19 Resilience
In May 2020, EHS announced that Hakeem would launch the first stage of a new telemedicine service for conditions including diabetes, oncology, and renal systems. The program helped patients to receive continuing care despite COVID-19 restrictions that often limited travel to healthcare facilities.
2024: USTDA, Jordan Commit to Hakeem’s Expansion
In June 2024, USTDA provided EHS a second feasibility study grant to support the next phase of Hakeem’s expansion. The goal of this assistance is to increase the number of facilities covered, improve patient access, facilitate processing of patient data management records, incorporate new services to serve patients more efficiently, and lay the foundation for integration of artificial intelligence enhancements.
Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director, said: “The enduring nature of USTDA’s partnerships is evident in projects like Hakeem. After more than a decade of success, we are delighted to support EHS’s goal of expanding Hakeem so that it continues to serve and benefit the Jordanian people for many more years to come.”
Updated June 12, 2024