The Crisis of Nurses' Problems in Iran Reaches the Private Healthcare Sector

While the numerous problems faced by nurses in the public healthcare system remain unresolved, the head of the Nursing Organization emphasized the differences in supportive laws for public and private sector nurses, stating that since there is no support for private sector workers, we should expect nurses to leave the private healthcare system as well. Ahmad Najatian stated on Friday, January 21, to ILNA news agency that there is no uniform authority for hospitals in the private sector, while 30% of inpatient services and consequently 30% of nursing staff work in the private sector. According to Najatian, many hospitals pay only the minimum wage and there is no implementation of the nursing service tariff law in the private sector, even though hospitals charge these services to patients from the very first day, and the costs of nursing service tariffs are effectively collected from patients and insurers. He emphasized that under these conditions, we will witness the exit of nursing personnel from the private sector. From the perspective of activists in this field, these warnings become concerning when considering the statistics of nurse shortages in Iran and the rate of nurse emigration. Many experts believe this could cripple the healthcare network in Iran. In this regard, Ahmad Najatian reported on September 12 of this year that the rate of nurse emigration has doubled, stating that 'Germany and Denmark are countries that are now eagerly accepting Iranian nurses.' Mohammad Sharifi Moghaddam, Secretary General of the Nurses' House, also emphasized that annually 2,500 nurses pack their bags and emigrate abroad. Meanwhile, Mohammad Mirzabigi, former head of the Nursing Organization, stated that 5 to 6 nurses emigrate from Iran daily. The Iranian newspaper, affiliated with the Islamic Republic government, also reported on December 20 of this year that 'in the first 8 months of this year, 4,500 more healthcare personnel have applied for emigration.' Previously, it was also announced that '7,000 doctors, nurses, and healthcare personnel have applied for emigration in the year 1402.' The official government media in Iran described the emigration of 11,500 healthcare personnel in less than 2 years as a 'bitter reality' that 'if a solution is not found soon,' we will witness the 'decline of the medical community and its harmful consequences at the national level.' This issue has been warned about by experts in recent years. According to reports and news published from nurses' protest gatherings, various economic, professional, and social problems, including nurse shortages, unpaid wages, and mandatory overtime in exchange for minimal payments, alongside social issues and the governance style of the Islamic Republic, have led to widespread nurse emigration. Experts also believe that good living services, low unemployment, better wages, good career prospects, better working conditions, and job satisfaction are significant factors attracting these personnel to destination countries. Protests by nurses in front of the Qom governorate: 'If there are no nurses, the system will collapse.' More than 4,000 healthcare personnel have emigrated in the first 8 months of this year. A union official reported a lack of sufficient volunteers for the nursing recruitment exam. Protests by retired telecommunications workers and nurses occurred in several provinces of Iran. Retired teachers in Tehran and nurses in Shiraz and Ahvaz also protested. The 'Wage and Salary Council' has reduced the approved rate for 'nurses' overtime.'