Middle East University has launched the Middle East Centre for Health Economics and Social Policy, marking it as the first such centre in a Jordanian university dedicated to advancing health and social knowledge systems at both the national and regional levels.
The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the Centre’s Steering Committee, held at the University Presidency and chaired by the University President, Professor Salam Al-Mahadin. In her opening address, Professor Al-Mahadin stated that the centre’s establishment reflects the university’s strategic vision, which aims to establish robust research institutions that contribute to public policymaking and enhance MEU’s pioneering role as a primary driver of innovation and community service. She further noted that the Centre represents an unprecedented and qualitative addition to the structure of Jordanian higher education.
The meeting convened a number of notable figures, including the centre’s director, Dr. Omar Al Rashdan; the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Amjad Abu Ermeila; the Head of the Medical Training Division at the university, Dr. Mohammed Al Kharouf; the Director of the Public Health Institute at the University of Jordan, Dr. Munir Abu Hilaleh; and Health and Social Policy Expert Muna Abdel Jawwad.
During the session, the centre’s official vision, mission, and logo were approved. Furthermore, its strategic objectives, operational areas, and service provision frameworks were defined. Discussions also focused on opportunities for research and training collaboration with local, regional, and international institutions. Proposals were advanced for launching research and development initiatives aimed at strengthening Jordan’s position as a regional hub for excellence in health economics and social policy.
The centre’s primary objective is to establish an advanced scientific research infrastructure dedicated to evaluating health technologies, studying the impact of social policies, and providing evidence-based consultancy to policymakers. This is intended to ensure efficient public expenditure and enhance the quality of health and social services.
Significantly, the Middle East Centre for Health Economics and Social Policy is the first of its kind in Jordan. This underlines Middle East University’s leadership in developing applied knowledge and confirms its growing role in generating sustainable scientific solutions that link education, research, and societal impact.