Health sector reform in Islamic Republic of Iran

Ever-changing needs of society to which the health sector has to respond, makes the health sector reform inevitable for any country around the world. Based on the experiences gained in different countries, it is now possible to determine the driving force, main objectives and principles of reform in the health sector. While such activities began around 2001 in Iran, reform in other countries was enjoying almost two decades of experience. Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of health services, equity, sustainable financing and management improvement were the main objectives of health sector reform in Iran. Despite conducting some very effective studies, success in finding the answer to some crucial questions and creating a common language among those dealing with the health system, the health sector reform in Iran could not find the opportunity to put its ideas into practice to achieve all its objectives. This stemmed from very poor (if any at all) political commitment. In conclusion, this article recommends both the government and the parliament to be solemnly committed to following health system reform through providing facilities and resources to complete the ongoing project and also implementing the newly developed models in multiple pilot sites.