Universal health coverage in Iran: Health-related intersectoral actions

Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2018 Dec 28:32:132. doi: 10.14196/mjiri.32.132. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

The majority of modifiable health outcomes are attributable to factors that are outside the direct reach of the health systems and can only be reached through intersectoral actions. In recent years, Iran implemented a series of reforms in the health sector called Health Transformation Plan (HTP). This paper aimed to review health-related intersectoral actions in Iran that have focused on interventions conducted after HTP implementation and to compare the interventions against the recommendations by World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Findings showed that intersectoral governance interventions are the strongest points and have the most compatibility with the recommendations, while intersectoral environmental interventions are the weakest points. Also, many of the interventions have not yet been completely implemented. Moreover, continuity and sustainability of the policies and programs are still a concern.

Keywords: Health care reform; Intersectoral collaboration; Iran; Universal health coverage.