General Overview
According to the Iranian Constitution, the government is required to provide every citizen of the country with access to social security that covers inter-alia disability, health and medical treatment and care services.

Today the largest healthcare delivery network is owned and run by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) through its network of health establishments and medical schools in the country. MOHME inter-alia is in charge of provision of healthcare services through its network, medical insurance, supervision and regulation of the healthcare system in the country, policymaking, production and distribution of pharmaceuticals, and research and development. Additionally, there are other parallel organizations such as Medical Services Insurance Organizations (MSIO) that have been established to act as a relief foundation as well as an insurance firm.

According to the last census that Statistical Centre of Iran undertook in 2003, Iran possesses 730 medical establishments (eg. hospitals, clinics) of which 488 are directly affiliated and run by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and 120 owned by the private sector and the rest belong to other organizations, such as the Social Security Organization of Iran (SSO). About 73% of all Iranians have SSO coverage according to the same source.

Access and availability of health care continues to be somewhat limited in lesser developed provinces where the health indices are also lower as compared to national averages.

Health Insurance
Conditions for the coverage of medical treatment (state or private) including details on the opportunity to access public services and health insurance

There are generally four primary methods of funding health care systems:
1. direct or out-of-pocket payments
2. social health insurance
3. voluntary or private health insurance, and
4. donations or charity health services (rare)

There are two different coverage: voluntary/ private insurance and public sector insurance (the latter through employment).

The public sector employees on fixed term contract may be able to receive treatments at state owned facilities, however employees of private sector have to be registered by their employer through a quasi-public health care service provider. Some of the major quasi-public insurance companies are:

The above insurance companies do not offer private “health” insurance coverage however they do offer accidental insurance for individuals, the cost of which varies with the type of coverage, age, ... etc.

There is however one type of insurance coverage (KHISH FARMA) for self-employed individuals with relatively low cost (approximately IRR 462,000) per month provided and administered through SSO and MSIO. This insurance coverage provides for the use of State owned facilities named on the policy, however it is the best and cheapest private coverage one can get.

Medicaments availability
All medications except very rare and special medicines are available in Iran. There are many private pharmacies all over the country, however there are four major governmental pharmacies that can provide with any kind of prescribed medicine, though in small quantities.
• Red Crescent Pharmacy
• 13 Aban pharmacy
• Martyrs Foundation Pharmacy
• Noor single prescriptions Center
There are virtually thousands of facilities in Tehran and hundreds more around the country. The best way to get all the information is through the Ministry of Health & Medical Education.

Contact Organisations
Iranian Society of Ophthalmologists and Vision Scientists (ISOV)
139A Charles Street, Suite 197, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Email: pedram_hamrah@isov.org; info@isov.org
Web: www.isov.org
Activities: ISOV is a non-profit organization. ISOV strives to promote scientific collaboration among Ophthalmologists and Vision Scientists of Iranian heritage in the U.S., Europe, and throughout the world; to provide a resource for those seeking mentorship and advice; to enhance patient care through referrals and consultations, and to enhance friendship and collegiality among members.
Last updated: 19/02/2007

Iranian Society of the Blind
No. 10 Hassan Tash Alley Aghamir (Darros) Ave., Kolahdooz (Dowlat) ST, Tehran, Iran.
Contact person: Mr Ali Akbar Jamali, Managing Director
Tel: +98 21 225 600 60
Fax: +98 21 225 602 55
Email: isbiran@yahoo.com
Activities: Hosts educational seminars and conferences, aids the welfare of blind and partially sighted people by offering assistance and guidance on social rights and offers consultative services.