Top 3 Pediatric Hepatology Clinics in Jordan 2026

When does a child need a pediatric hepatology clinic?

Pediatric hepatology covers the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts in babies, children and teenagers. A specialist is usually involved after a family doctor or general pediatrician finds something that needs a closer look, such as abnormal liver blood tests, an enlarged liver, or jaundice that does not settle. Some liver conditions are present from birth. Others follow infections, medicines, metabolic or inherited disorders, or weight-related fatty liver.

Signs worth raising with your child's doctor, and asking about a referral for:

• Yellow skin or eyes in a newborn lasting beyond two weeks (three weeks in a baby born early)
• Pale, chalky or clay-coloured stools, or dark urine, at any age
• Poor feeding, slow weight gain or delayed growth together with digestive symptoms
• Persistent itching, unexplained tiredness or a swollen tummy
• Liver blood tests flagged as abnormal during another check-up
• A family history of liver disease, or follow-up after hepatitis

Pale stools together with jaundice in a young baby should be checked promptly rather than at the next routine visit, because some bile-duct problems are time-sensitive.

Everyday pediatric needs, such as vaccinations, routine infant growth checks, colds, persistent fever, cough or a rash with fever, are usually handled first by a general pediatrician, who can refer on if the liver appears to be involved.

Urgent warning signs

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if a child:

• Vomits blood or passes black, tarry stools
• Becomes unusually drowsy, confused or hard to wake
• Is jaundiced and also very unwell, feverish or refusing feeds
• Has sudden severe abdominal pain or a rapidly swelling abdomen
• Has difficulty breathing
• May have swallowed medicine, including paracetamol, or a household chemical

How to choose among the clinics here

The four profiles differ a great deal in focus, so match the clinic to your child's situation rather than to its position on the list.

• Dedicated liver focus. Dr Mohannad Al Mhairat Clinic is the profile here that lists pediatric hepatology among both its specialties and its published services, together with pediatric gastroenterology, nutrition and growth assessment.
• General hospital outpatients. Istiklal Hospital Outpatient Clinics and the King Abdullah University Hospital specialty outpatients both list Pediatrics within a wider range of specialties. Before booking, ask which pediatric doctor sees children referred for liver concerns.
• Cancer-related care. King Hussein Cancer Center describes cancer care for children and adults. It is relevant when a liver problem is linked to a suspected or known cancer, and new patients go through Patient Affairs.
• Where you live. Three profiles are in Amman (Arjan, Jubaiha and Shmeisani) and one is in Ramtha, Irbid. Liver care often means repeat visits for blood tests and follow-up, so travel time matters.
• Hours. All four list confirmed hours from Saturday to Thursday. Istiklal Hospital Outpatient Clinics open earlier (08:00–16:00); the others list 10:00–17:00.
• Insurance. Only one profile names an insurer, so check your own policy before you go.
• Referral letter. If your child already has a referral, check whether it names a specific doctor or department.

Remember that the order reflects how complete each published profile is, not treatment quality or outcomes. Families searching for the best pediatric hepatology clinics in Jordan will get further by comparing focus, location and practical access.

What to expect at the first visit

A first liver consultation usually involves a detailed history, a physical examination and a plan for any tests. Depending on the findings, the doctor may request blood tests, an ultrasound or other investigations, and explain them before anything is arranged.

What to bring:

• The referral letter, if you have one
• All previous blood test results, especially liver tests, with dates
• Ultrasound or other imaging reports, and discs if you have them
• Your child's health and vaccination booklet, including birth weight and growth records
• A list of every medicine, vitamin, herbal or traditional remedy your child takes
• For babies with jaundice, a clear photo of a recent nappy showing stool colour
• Notes on when symptoms started and any family history of liver disease

Questions you might ask:

• What could be causing these results or symptoms, and what needs to be ruled out?
• Which tests are needed now, and which can wait?
• Are there warning signs that should bring us back sooner or to emergency care?
• Should anything change in diet, feeding or medicines before the next visit?
• How and when will we receive results, and who do we contact with questions?

Do not stop or change any medicine your child takes without speaking to the prescribing doctor first.

Insurance, fees and booking: what to ask before the appointment

Ask these questions when you book, so there are no surprises on the day:

• Consultation fee. Ask for the current fee for a first pediatric consultation and for follow-ups.
• Tests. Blood tests and imaging are often charged separately; ask whether they are done on site.
• Insurance. Istiklal Hospital Outpatient Clinics list Arab Orient Insurance. For the other profiles, ask directly whether your insurer is accepted and whether pre-approval is needed.
• Referral. Ask whether a referral letter is required, particularly for the hospital outpatient clinics and for King Hussein Cancer Center, where new patient appointments go through Patient Affairs.
• Doctor availability. King Abdullah University Hospital notes that hospital hours do not reflect every physician's availability. Ask which day the relevant pediatric clinic runs.
• Records. Dr Mohannad Al Mhairat Clinic invites families to confirm which records to bring; it is worth asking every clinic the same.

Getting there

• Istiklal Hospital Outpatient Clinics: at the intersection of Jordan Street and Istiklal Street, Arjan, Amman. Reception confirms the floor and consulting room on arrival.
• King Abdullah University Hospital Specialty Outpatients: Ramtha, Irbid. Confirm the clinic location within the hospital before you travel.
• King Hussein Cancer Center: Jubaiha, Amman.
• Dr Mohannad Al Mhairat Clinic: Specialty Hospital outpatient building A, second floor, clinic 7, Shmeisani, Amman.

Allow extra time for parking and registration at the larger hospital sites, and bring snacks, water and a change of clothes for younger children, since tests can add waiting time.

Checklist before you book

• Check that the clinic sees children with liver or digestive concerns
• Ask which doctor your child will see and on which day
• Confirm the consultation fee and how tests are charged
• Check insurance acceptance and any pre-approval requirement
• Ask whether a referral letter is needed
• Gather previous test results, imaging reports and the health booklet
• List all medicines and remedies your child takes
• Photograph your baby's stool colour if jaundice is a concern
• Confirm the exact building, floor and room
• Know the urgent warning signs and call 911 if they appear