AMMAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Jordan is reinforcing its standing as a leading destination for medical and natural therapeutic tourism in the Middle East, attracting more patients from across the region with advanced healthcare services and unique natural healing resources.

Official data showed that Jordan received more than 235,000 inbound patients in 2025, up 5 percent year-on-year, which demonstrates rising regional confidence in Jordan's healthcare sector.

Ali Farhan Mohammed, an Iraqi patient from Baghdad province, told Xinhua that his family's connection with Jordan's medical sector began in 2009, when his nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

"Several doctors in Baghdad advised us to consult a specialist in Amman," Mohammed said. "We found high efficiency, expertise and strong patient care in Jordan, and my nephew fully recovered."

The family returned to Jordan years later when Mohammed's sister was diagnosed with a serious illness and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in the kingdom, with what Mohammed described as "positive and reassuring" results.

About a month and a half ago, Mohammed developed a kidney problem and once again chose Jordan for treatment. He spent around 20 days in the country receiving medical care.

Mohammed said Jordan's high medical standards provided psychological comfort throughout the treatment process.

Similar confidence was expressed by Wijdan Adel Al Shaibani, a Libyan doctor accompanying a cancer patient. After conducting extensive research into specialized treatment destinations, she said Jordan stood out for its medical excellence and advanced regional reputation.

She described the medical follow-up as comprehensive, covering both therapeutic and humanitarian aspects, with positive treatment outcomes.

Fawzi Al-Hammouri, chairman of the Private Hospitals Association in Jordan, said the country holds a leading position in the Middle East and North Africa as a medical tourism destination, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure and competitive pricing.

He noted that the majority of inbound patients visiting Jordan for treatment are from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Libya.

Jordan offers complex procedures including adult and pediatric cardiac surgeries, cancer treatment, organ transplants and robotic surgery in line with international standards, Al-Hammouri said.

"Patients do not face long waiting periods for diagnosis or surgery, enabling faster access to care," he added.

Jordan currently has 71 private hospitals with a total capacity of around 6,000 beds. Direct investment in the private hospital sector exceeds 4 billion Jordanian dinars (about 5.6 billion U.S. dollars), employing around 40,000 people directly and nearly 60,000 in supporting sectors, Al-Hammouri said.

Medical tourism has become a key pillar of Jordan's economy, generating over 1.4 billion dollars annually and contributing approximately 3.5 percent to its gross domestic product, he added, noting that in June 2023, the World Tourism Organization officially recognized and designated Jordan as a regional hub for medical and wellness tourism.

In addition to modern medical facilities, Jordan leverages its natural therapeutic assets, including the Dead Sea and the Ma'in Hot Springs, known for their mineral-rich and sulfuric waters, Al-Hammouri noted.

The Jordan Tourism Board said the country occupies a leading position on both regional and global medical and natural therapeutic tourism maps, attributing this to a healthcare system comprising more than 120 hospitals and medical centers, as well as internationally-recognized institutions such as the King Hussein Cancer Center.

Ahmad Al-Ahmad, director general of a private hospital in Jordan, said many hospitals in the country "hold international accreditations," adding that studying successful global models, including China's experience in managing economic and service sectors, could help Jordan further enhance its competitiveness. ■