The Barriers to Achieve Financial Protection in Iranian Health System A Qualitative Study in a Developing Country

Main Article Content

Seyran Naghdi

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The move to universal health coverage andconsequently health promotion is influenced by political, socio-economic and other contextual factors in a country. Iran, as adeveloping country with an upper-middle national income, hasdeveloped policies to achieve universal health coverage throughfinancial protection. This study aims to investigate barriers todevelop financial protection as a requirement to achieve universalhealth coverage.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study wasconducted using 20 in-depth interviews with experts in socialwelfare, health insurance and financing. The framework analysismethod was used to analyze the data.RESULTS: The results have been categorized in three majorthemes that were extracted from ten sub-themes. The majorthemes included the political, social and economic context of thecountry, the context and structure of healthcare system anddimensions of UHC.CONCLUSION:Achieving financial protection as a long-termobjective should be considered as a priority among Iranianpolicy makers that requires an inter-sectoral collaboration with adefined in-charge body. Health policy makers in Iran shoulddevelop a more comprehensive benefits package for diseases andhealth conditions with catastrophic consequences. They alsoshould develop a plan to cover the poor people.

Article Details

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Original Article
Author Biography

Seyran Naghdi, Department of R&D, Tehran, Iran

Iran University of Medical Sciences,
Financial Affaires Office