Healthcare in Iran

Healthcare in Iran encompasses a mixed system of public and private health services and providers, with a significant effort from the government to provide health services and insurance to its population. The Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) is the main governmental body responsible for healthcare policy, planning, and the provision of health services in Iran.

Overview

The Iranian healthcare system has undergone several reforms with the aim of improving the quality of health services and achieving universal health coverage. The Health Transformation Plan (HTP), initiated in 2014, is one of the most significant healthcare reforms in Iran, focusing on primary healthcare, reducing the out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for patients, and improving the quality of healthcare services across the country.

Primary Healthcare

Primary healthcare in Iran is delivered through a nationwide network of health houses (Behvarz centers) and clinics that provide preventive, promotive, and curative services. This network is particularly focused on rural and underserved urban areas, aiming to ensure equitable access to health services for all segments of the population.

Hospital Services

Iran has a wide range of public and private hospitals offering secondary and tertiary care. Public hospitals are primarily funded by the government and provide services at lower costs, while private hospitals offer services at higher costs but with potentially shorter waiting times and more luxurious facilities. Teaching hospitals, affiliated with medical universities, play a crucial role in both healthcare delivery and medical education.

Health Insurance

Health insurance in Iran is characterized by multiple schemes, including the Social Security Organization (SSO), the Armed Forces Medical Services Insurance, and the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee Health Insurance, among others. The government also provides a basic health insurance package aimed at covering the most essential health services for all citizens, with a particular focus on vulnerable and low-income groups.

Challenges

Despite significant achievements, the Iranian healthcare system faces several challenges, including financial sustainability, disparities in health services quality and access between urban and rural areas, and the need for further improvements in the quality of healthcare services. The economic sanctions imposed on Iran have also impacted the healthcare sector, affecting the import of medicines and medical equipment.

Future Directions

The future of healthcare in Iran involves continuing the implementation of the Health Transformation Plan, with an emphasis on enhancing the quality of care, increasing the efficiency of health services, and moving towards more sustainable financing mechanisms. There is also a focus on integrating health information technology systems to improve service delivery and patient care.