Amman, July 30 (Petra) – The King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF), in cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO), launched a policy paper on Wednesday addressing the challenges faced by cancer patients and their caregivers in relation to job security.

The paper was unveiled by KHCF Director General Nisreen Qatamesh and King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) CEO Asem Mansour. It examines provisions in the Jordanian Labor Law and Social Security Law, offering practical recommendations to strengthen the rights of cancer patients and their caregivers within these legal frameworks.

Qatamesh emphasized the importance of enacting national legislation and policies that safeguard the rights of this vulnerable group. She called for clear protections against dismissal and workplace discrimination, as well as the creation of a supportive and accommodating work environment during and after the treatment process.

She underscored the need to humanize existing laws by adapting them to the realities faced by cancer patients, such as by offering flexible and sufficient medical leave of up to six months or more, and allowing unused sick leave to accumulate for future use.

The policy paper also advocates for banning health-based discrimination in hiring, promotions, and wages. It calls for enhanced financial and insurance support, along with the expansion of social protection frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable coverage for cancer patients.

Speaking during a discussion session following the launch, Qatamesh stated, "We need institutional mechanisms to safeguard the rights of cancer patients and their caregivers in the workplace through fair and transparent policies that serve the interests of both employees and employers."

The panel discussion addressed key topics outlined in the policy paper, with input from experts in labor, healthcare, and legal affairs. Participants reviewed the proposed recommendations and discussed strategies for their implementation in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

//Petra// AJ

30/07/2025 13:32:34