jordan pulse -

Former Director General of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), Dr. Hayel Obeidat, spoke in a candid interview with Rum and Al Shahed media group about his long career in public service and regulatory work.

Obeidat highlighted the absence of a true free-market economy in Jordan, stressing that the country has yet to embrace supply and demand principles. He also criticized government borrowing from social security funds, calling it an unjustifiable move that requires strict controls.

Reflecting on his time leading the JFDA, Obeidat mentioned bureaucratic obstacles that hindered his work. He noted that a former minister once claimed Jordan had 16 months’ worth of strategic reserves, a statement he found unrealistic at the time due to the lack of proper storage facilities. Today, however, he believes the country has over 13 months of secure reserves, thanks to royal directives that led to expanded storage capacities—an initiative that proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and in supplying Gaza.

Obeidat also emphasized the need to rethink the role of regulatory institutions like the JFDA, balancing oversight with investment promotion. He criticized the private healthcare sector for prioritizing profits too aggressively, leading to a decline in the quality of medical services built over Jordan’s first centennial.

Commenting on governance, Obeidat revealed that the Minister of Industry and Trade often held more sway over policymaking than regulatory authorities in past governments. While he denied any personal ties to Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, he acknowledged Hassan’s positive initiatives.

On political aspirations, Obeidat affirmed he does not seek a ministerial role, stating that such positions are responsibilities, not privileges. He concluded by expressing confidence in former Prime Minister Ahmad Obeidat, describing him as a visionary national leader.