Lack of Access to Healthcare Services in Iran Draws Attention

Following the release of images showing the names of patients at a healthcare center in Iran placed under stones labeled with various medical specialties such as internal medicine, ophthalmology, orthopedics, neurology, ENT, and cardiology, attention has once again been drawn to the inadequate access to healthcare services in Iran, especially in deprived areas. According to reports published in Iranian media, which Voice of America cannot independently verify, the video was related to a hospital in the city of Delfan in Lorestan province. Asghar Khahramani, the governor of Delfan, responded by stating that some doctors see up to 80 patients daily, yet demand still exceeds available capacity. He also emphasized that criticism of the appointment system has led to a 'decrease in work motivation' among healthcare staff. The wave of migration of doctors and nurses to other countries due to economic issues and governmental inefficiencies, along with the crisis faced by medical students or graduates undergoing their 'plan' period, has resulted in serious professional crises, job inequalities, wage injustices, and a lack of attention from state authorities to their problems, which has led to an increase in suicides among them. Additionally, data from the Statistical Center of Iran indicates that there are 205 general practitioners, 216 specialists, only 38 subspecialists, and 1,198 nurses for every one million people, and with the intensification of the migration wave among healthcare staff and the reluctance to study in medical fields, this situation will worsen. Experts state that given that Tehran accounts for 11% of the total population of the country and 34% of all doctors and 45% of specialists are in Tehran, the per capita doctor ratio in other parts of the country is significantly lower than in Tehran. In 2008, the World Health Organization stated that all individuals should have access to healthcare according to their needs, regardless of their ability to pay. Inadequate access and the uneven distribution of healthcare services in communities lead to negative consequences such as social inequality and an increase in mortality rates from diseases. In Iran, mismanagement in the healthcare system and the imbalance in access to medical services and equipment have forced many patients to seek diagnosis and treatment in major cities, resulting in delays or a complete lack of treatment. A radiation oncology specialist recently stated in an interview that patients have only one month after surgery to start radiotherapy, but due to long waiting lists and equipment malfunctions, many have to wait months to begin treatment. This specialist added that the excessive use of the limited available machines has caused them to break down quickly, resulting in more patients having to wait for treatment. Recently, Alireza Chidari, head of the Medical Equipment Association, stated that imaging and diagnostic devices that were previously imported at a rate of 4,200 tomans are now imported at a negotiated rate, causing specific medications and consumable medical equipment to increase in price by 700 to 800%. The head of the Iranian Radiotherapy Association had also previously reported a shortage of radiotherapy machines in the country. Yasha Makhdoumi, citing global standards and the country's 80 million population, stated that about 300 machines are needed, while currently, only about 130 machines are operational, and 'many of these machines are also outdated.' Severe mismanagement of the budget and the rising costs and shortages in recent years have also affected medication, leading many patients to procure and consume their necessary medications below the required levels or to abandon their treatment courses. The research deputy of the Cancer Research Institute at Tehran University of Medical Sciences recently announced that cancer claims the lives of about 200 people daily in Iran, making it the second leading cause of death in the country.