Jordanian experience in partnership with the private sector in order to sustain the irradiation services

In order to introduce peaceful applications of nuclear technology and train human cadres in this technology to enhance the level of healthcare in Jordan, the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) established the Gamma Irradiation Facility in 2000. Since then, gamma irradiation services have been provided to the medical industry sector in Jordan.

However, recently, the prices of radioactive sources have become high, and transportation costs, making it difficult to achieve any profit amid these increases.prompting one of the product's customers; HIKMA producer of empty eye drops, to participate in solving this problem through cooperation for the sustainability of the gamma irradiation service. This led to the signing of an agreement with HIKMA to pay the required amount to purchase a new source owned by the commission and to recover its cost through a free irradiation service with priority. Additionally, a profit is added to the paid amount based on local interest rates, but it is subject to a specific timeframe for the free service.

With this successful plan, the gamma irradiation service has been kept available, and the HIKMA has maintained the high level of its products, while achieving profits for the facility. Recently HIKMA expand its production, with the good experience of the first contract, this encouraged it to enter into new negotiations with JAEC to implement a new contract.

Many obstacles have been faced. Overcoming these obstacles, though time-consuming, was the key to expanding and advancing in this technology. Despite the facility being considered small, every mile begins with a step.