Iran faces a critical situation in its healthcare system: a severe shortage of specialist doctors across the country. This issue transcends inconvenience and threatens the well-being of millions.
A National Challenge:
Nearly 410 Iranian cities, with populations exceeding 50,000, struggle with limited access to specialists. Long wait times, often lasting days or even months, leave patients in limbo. This shortage cripples efforts to establish comprehensive treatment facilities in many regions.
Experts warn of a potential future reliant on foreign doctors from Bangladesh and India to bridge the gap. This highlights the urgency of addressing the problem before it reaches this critical juncture.
Failed Solutions and Statistical Disparity:
The Iranian regime’s 7th development plan aimed to address this specialist deficit. As of 2024, all signs point towards its failure.
Statistics paint a concerning picture. Iran boasts a meager 62 specialist doctors per 100,000 citizens, falling far below the regional average of 143. Developed nations, meanwhile, enjoy a significantly higher ratio, ranging from 300 to 500 specialists per 100,000.
Further compounding the issue is the shortage of general practitioners. With a population of 85 million, Iran requires a minimum of 98,000 doctors to meet even the most basic needs. The current number falls woefully short of this benchmark, leaving people vulnerable.
Human Cost and System Strain:
Hossein Ali Haji Deligani, a member of the regime’s parliament, poignantly illustrates the human cost of this shortage. He recounted the tragic story of a young couple from Saveh who lost their child after venturing to Tehran for specialist treatment. Their desperate journey ended in carbon monoxide poisoning due to staying in their car while waiting.
Deligani further highlights the disturbing trend of “medical tourism” within Iran, as people resort to traveling vast distances to access specialists. This practice is especially problematic during holidays, when physicians are less likely to be available, further jeopardizing patients’ well-being.
Overworked Doctors and Compromised Care:
The specialist shortage has a domino effect on the overall quality of healthcare. While medical errors are unavoidable, the immense workload placed upon doctors due to the lack of specialists increases the frequency.
Fatigued physicians face higher risks of misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment prescriptions, potentially endangering patients’ lives.
Time Crunch and Misdiagnosis:
Iranian law mandates minimum consultation times for doctors, ranging from 15 minutes for general practitioners to 25 minutes for specialists. In reality, the reality is far grimmer. The overwhelming patient load forces doctors to condense consultations to an average of less than 5 minutes. This lack of time poses several severe consequences:
- Missed Diagnoses: Crucial details about a patient’s medical history may be overlooked, leading to inaccurate diagnoses.
- Incorrect Prescriptions: Without adequate time for proper evaluation, doctors could prescribe inappropriate medication, potentially causing further health problems.
