jordan pulse -

In an exclusive interview with Rum News and Al-Shahed Media Group, former Director-General of the Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) Dr. Hael Obeidat spoke candidly about his career, public service, and political experiences.

Obeidat highlighted bureaucratic obstacles that hindered his work at JFDA, stating that regulations were used to impede progress. He also revealed that he had been offered a ministerial position, which he declined.

On economic policy, he criticised Jordan’s failure to establish a true free-market system, arguing that borrowing from social security funds is unjustifiable and should be off-limits to any government.

Reflecting on his tenure, Obeidat recalled that a minister in the Razzaz government claimed Jordan had a 16-month strategic food reserve, despite the country's lack of proper storage capacity. He noted that the Minister of Industry and Trade wielded more influence over former Prime Minister Omar Razzaz than he did.

Obeidat also addressed healthcare, stating that the private sector prioritises profit too aggressively, leading to a decline in the health sector’s once-strong reputation. He called for a reassessment of JFDA’s role to better serve the country.

Despite serving under eight different governments, Obeidat clarified that he had no prior connection with current Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan but acknowledged his promising initiatives.

Closing the interview, Obeidat expressed strong trust in former Prime Minister Ahmed Obeidat, praising him as a true patriot with a progressive vision.