Iran-Health Care

With a population of 65.9 million people Iran is the most populated country in the Middle East and 16^th most populated in the world. Iran’s Human Development Index, which is based on life expectancy, knowledge and education, and quality of life, was ranked 94^th in 2008. As Iran further develops it faces many challenges known to other semi-industrialized countries including high unemployment (12.5% in 2008), inflation (26%), and a growing economic gap between the wealthy and poor.

Over the past 20 years the status of health care in Iran has improved greatly. By establishing a Primary Health Care network Iran has been able to extend preventive public health programs to most citizens. 73% of Iranians have official health care coverage, but the constitution promises all citizens health care so most people get subsidized prescription drugs and vaccination programs. Clinics offer medical attention and medication for low prices. The Ministry of Health operates 488 general and specialty hospitals to provide higher care. Over 85% of population has access to health services and health personnel assist 90% of births. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has improved from 122 per 1,000 in 1970 to 28.6 per 1,000 in 2000. Maternal Mortality rate is 37 per 100,000 births. 90% of the population is immunized and Polio is almost completely eliminated. Under 5 Mortality (U5MR) also improved to 35.6 per 1,000 from 191 per 1,000 in 1970. The life expectancy for average citizens is now 71 years.

Iran has 730 medical establishments throughout the country. The Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) is in charge of 488 of those establishments. MOHME is in charge of medical insurance, medical education, policymaking, production and distribution of pharmaceuticals, and research and development. MOHME produces generic-based drugs inside of the country to keep the prices low and make most drugs easily accessible. 55 Iranian pharmaceutical companies produce 96% of pharmaceuticals on the market.

A major health concern in the Middle East and particularly in Iran is the growing drug problem. Drug use has become the leading cause of HIV infection and AIDS. The Ministry of Health has estimated 66,000 people are currently living with HIV infection. Intravenous drug use is the cause of 64.5% of HIV infections, while 8.9% is from sexual transmission, and 5.1% from blood and blood product transfusion. Iran has reached out to neighboring countries in an attempt to counter-drug trafficking by sharing intelligence and increasing border control along Afghanistan, the main source of opiates for the country.

The economic gap amongst households has triggered a trend of malnutrition in the poorer citizens. Moderate to severe underweight effects 11% of the population, and 15% have stunted growth. To make matters worse 7% of households have no safe drinking water and 27% have no sanitary toilet. There is an intermediate degree of risk associated with waterborne diseases such as bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A. Cholera has also caused a minor epidemic in Iran. In 2005, salads were banned from restaurants and television broadcasts told citizens not to eat vegetables or buy ice off the street after there was a spike in cholera related deaths. These problems are particularly apparent in rural areas in the Iranian countryside.

Health care will continue to be a growing concern in Iran. The country’s population is still young and as they age and begin to start families the population rate will grow. With more people generally comes more sickness and it will put extra strain on the health care network. Iran will need to continue to produce low cost pharmaceuticals and vaccines and should begin to focus on research and development for the future.