Health system transformation in the Islamic Republic of Iran: an assessment of key health financing and governance issues

Overview

The health system of the Islamic Republic of Iran is under transformation.  The country has long been recognized for its success in primary health care, which dates back to efforts made during the 1980s and is largely due to an innovative approach centered around community health workers.  The country is committed to maintaining progress on the road from primary health care to universal health coverage.  Several reform efforts have been implemented, including those around extending insurance coverage, reducing patient cost-sharing, expanding the health benefit package, addressing inefficiencies in the purchasing of health services, institutionalising platforms for the public’s participation in the health sector, and launching a broad reform programme known as the Health Transformation Plan.  This report is an assessment of key health system financing and governance issues in the Islamic Republic of Iran and, based on that evidence, further proposes policy options for the country to consider as it continues to make progress towards universal health coverage.