From Primary Health Care to Universal Health Coverage in the Islamic Republic of Iran: A Journey of Four Decades

Abstract

Despite all the problems caused by the imposed war, sanctions and accidents after the Islamic Revolution, materializing primary health care (PHC) in Iran through establishing the National Health Network (NHN) has had substantial gains. Many health indicators in Iran have undergone significant changes. As an example, the change in death of children under the age of 5 years has been studied by adjusting the economic status, and it is estimated that about 2 million deaths in this age group were avoided within 30 years after the Islamic Revolution. Nevertheless, the global experience implies that the PHC has its limitations. By changing the social, economic, and epidemiological patterns of diseases, demands and expectations of community has changed. With the emergence of chronic conditions and new technologies, health expenditures have become a major concern. Meanwhile, in the 2000s, the revision at PHC was aimed at strengthening through the universal health coverage (UHC). Therefore, UHC is along the PHC and not against it.

Keywords: Health care reform, Health care sector, Health policy, Iran, Primary health care