Malhas Hospital (Arabic: مستشفى ملحس) was the first Jordanian-owned private hospital in Jordan, founded by physician Qassem Malhas on May 14th, 1945[1]. Situated on Qassem Malhas Street next to the First Circle in Amman[2], the hospital played a pivotal role in providing healthcare services to the community[3].
Founder
Dr. Qassem Abdul Rahim Malhas (1904 - 1985) was a pioneering Palestinian doctor, activist, and humanitarian. In 1945, he founded Jordan’s first private hospital, known as Malhas Hospital[4]. Dr. Malhas also played a key role in establishing the Jordanian Medical Association[5] and served as the second president of the Jordanian Al-Faisaly Club[6][7].
Medical achievements
Jordan's First Radiation Machine
Shortly after its establishment in 1945, the hospital acquired Jordan's first radiation machine (10-100 Kilovoltage), a critical tool for treating superficial tumors. Radiologists worked closely with radiology physicists and technologists to administer treatment, as Jordan had no radiation oncologists at the time. In a generous gesture in 1962, Dr. Malhas donated the machine to the Jordanian Ministry of Health[8].
Redevelopment
Following its closure, the hospital was acquired by the Jordan Bar Association at a public auction in 2004[9]. The association submitted a special bid to undertake rehabilitation work on the former Malhas Hospital building[10], intending to convert it into its permanent headquarters[11].