AMMAN - Dozens of lives have been changed forever this week thanks to the National Goodwill Campaign.

Over the last three days, 46 people have received life-altering surgeries ranging from the removal of a brain tumour to treatment for bone deformities, burns and slipped discs.

Iman, a 35-year-old Tafileh resident, underwent surgery on Monday at Al Jazeera Hospital to release burn contractures between her chin and chest.

“Iman’s chin was attached to her chest due to severe burns she sustained over a year ago,” Bariqa Salah, who performed Iman’s surgery, told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Iman, who preferred not to mention her surname, said that her entire body was burnt in a gas stove accident a year-and-a-half ago. Due to her physical deformity, her husband decided to divorce her, leaving her with both physical and emotional wounds. Unable to rest or move her neck, leading a normal life was out of the question.

“I live with my mother now. I don’t work and dare not look for a job until I can move properly,” Iman told The Jordan Times, indicating that before her surgery, she could not sleep, move or perform simple daily tasks.

“Although I need dozens more, this surgery is the first step to regain my life,” she highlighted.

Salah said Iman’s surgery was “very successful”, adding that she will be discharged from the hospital within the next few days.

HRH Princess Basma, president of the campaign’s higher committee, on Monday visited four private hospitals in Amman, where Iman and 45 other patients are recovering from life-changing operations.

Nayef Abdullat, president of the campaign’s medical committee, along with the doctors who performed the surgeries, briefed the Princess on the patients’ conditions 

During the tour, which inluded Al Jazeera, Specialty, Eye Specialty and Ibn Haitham hospitals, Princess Basma expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the campaign’s private stakeholders. She stressed the importance of furthering coordination to support the campaign’s goal of alleviating the suffering of underprivileged citizens to ensure them a healthier life.

Marking its 10th anniversary, the campaign’s medical committee has carried out 54 medical campaigns, facilitating 160 surgeries and following up on 800 cases through laboratory tests and X-rays, according to Abdullat.

“A total of 36,969 cases received medical assistance and medications under the campaign, while the committee has arranged medical fee exemptions for 2,350 cases at public and military hospitals,“ he highlighted, indicating that there are 200 physicians from different medical specialties volunteering for the campaign.

Also during Monday’s tour, Princess Basma inaugurated cardiology and endoscopy units at the Specialty Hospital.

The National Goodwill Campaign, first launched by the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development in 1991, has served numerous underprivileged families and has grown over the years to become synonymous with support for the poor and marginalised.

In cooperation with the private sector, the campaign has enabled needy families to benefit from vital services by providing health and education assistance as well as income-generating projects.