By Zayed Alzyoud
A national dialogue session titled “The National Transition in Cancer Treatment Coverage Toward Pre-Diagnosis Insurance” examined pathways for moving beyond treatment centric financing toward pre-diagnosis, prevention focused coverage. The discussion centered on strengthening equitable access to cancer care while improving the fiscal sustainability of cancer financing, with particular attention to university students.
Held under the patronage of Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Prof. Azmi Mahafzah, the session brought together university presidents, public officials, and health and policy experts.
The University of Jordan contributed to discussions on how prevention driven models could be embedded within university settings to better protect students and support the sustainability of campus health services.
As part of the national shift toward coverage before diagnosis, participants discussed proposals to include university students in the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) Cancer Care Insurance (CCI) program. The proposed approach would help ensure access to cancer treatment at the Center while reducing the financial burden and protecting students from treatment related interruptions to their studies.
Mahafzah said the transition reflects a move from responding to illness after it occurs to strengthening prevention and managing health risks earlier. He added that earlier coverage can improve spending efficiency, promote fairness in access, and reduce health related disruptions to students’ academic progress.
The University was represented by Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Financial Affairs and Digital Transformation Prof. Ziad Hawamdeh, who said safeguarding public health on campus is a core responsibility. He highlighted ongoing health promotion and tobacco control efforts, alongside work to enhance service quality and improve the campus environment.
Director General of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation Nisreen Qatamesh said pre-diagnosis coverage is increasingly viewed as a national priority linked to patients’ rights and the health sector’s capacity to sustain a long-term response. She noted that more than 250 new cancer cases are recorded each year among people aged 19 to 29, with common diagnoses including leukemia, lymphomas, brain tumors, and thyroid cancer. These figures underscore the need to strengthen prevention and early protection.
Discussions also addressed extending coverage to university students of different nationalities, as well as exploring flexible options that could include university staff and their families. Proposed mechanisms included integrating coverage into approved service or healthcare fees, or introducing a defined insurance fee within tuition to expand enrollment while maintaining sustainability.
The session formed part of ongoing national efforts to review cancer financing in ways that balance access to care with financial sustainability, while advancing a prevention first approach and a broader shared commitment to public health.