Iran’s once-respected medical system appears to be on the brink of collapse, a point acknowledged with growing alarm by the country’s own media and officials.
This decline is particularly concerning given Iran’s past reputation as a destination for “health tourism,” attracting patients from neighboring countries seeking high-quality medical care.
Lost Allure: From Health Hub to Empty Waiting Rooms
The state-run daily Farhikhtegan paints a stark picture. It criticizes the regime’s management of healthcare, highlighting the dwindling number of health tourists.
The paper argues that cultural and social factors are not deterrents; instead, the blame falls squarely on the declining quality of services.
This decline is so significant that even religiously observant Iraqis, who might have previously chosen Mashhad or Tehran for treatment, are now opting for hospitals in Muscat, Oman.
Farhikhtegan further criticizes the Ministry of Health for its unrealistic focus on attracting health tourists while neglecting the root causes of the system’s decline.
A Doctor Exodus: Blaming the Victims, Ignoring the Cause
The report also sheds light on the authorities’ dismissive attitude towards medical professionals. One instance details a governor responding to doctors’ complaints by essentially offering them an ultimatum – accept the current conditions or leave.
This approach, coupled with “biases of officials and media” towards doctors and nurses, is seen as a significant factor in deterring skilled personnel.
The consequence? A mass exodus of specialists and nurses, with nurses becoming the “vanguards of the country’s brain drain.” This stands in stark contrast to claims made by the Minister of Health in February 2023, boasting of over a million health tourists and billions of dollars in revenue.
A Broken System: Economic Strain and Declining Morale
The regime’s policies have pushed doctors from the middle class down the economic ladder. The state-run newspaper Sazandegi reports on the financial struggles of medical professionals, particularly young doctors just starting their careers.
This economic strain, coupled with a lack of job security, has led to a decline in medical student enrollment.
Officials themselves are raising the alarm. Etemad newspaper quotes Iraj Fazel, a former Health Minister, expressing pessimism about the future.
He highlights the dwindling incentives for pursuing specialized medical fields, leading to a shortage of crucial specialists like vascular and pediatric surgeons.
The head of Iran’s medical system organization attributes this primarily to “excessive neglect of the health economy.”
Limited government funding has resulted in a severe shortage of specialists in critical fields. The organization warns that without a change in course, the country will be forced to choose between sending patients abroad for treatment or relying on foreign doctors.
Denial and Reality: A Collision Course
These concerns stand in stark contrast to the pronouncements of Hossein Salami, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a December 2023 statement, he dismissed the mass migration of doctors and nurses as “lies” and enemy propaganda. However, just three months later, the reality of the situation became undeniable.
The medical system organization itself acknowledged the critical shortage of pediatric cardiologists due to a large-scale exodus, leaving hundreds of sick children facing an uncertain future.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for Iranian Healthcare
Iran’s healthcare system stands at a crossroads. The government’s current policies are demonstrably leading to a decline in quality, a shortage of qualified personnel, and ultimately, a system on the verge of collapse.
Whether the regime acknowledges this reality and takes corrective action remains to be seen. The well-being of millions of Iranians hangs in the balance.
