Health system profile - Islamic Republic of Iran - What is GIS - World ...

Health Systems Profile- Islamic Republic of Iran Regional Health Systems Observatory- EMRO
Data availability and access
Demographic and epidemiological data on health and population indicators is freely
available on the internet, although it is often not updated. Specialized data and updates
are however quite difficult to access and retrieve. The Statistical Centre of Iran which is
a subordinate body of the powerful Planning and Management Organization keeps
record of data and socioeconomic indicators. It is charged to print and also post periodic
reports on the internet which can be accessed easily. However, specialized data, e.g.
health accounts is quite difficult to retrieve.
Sources of information
In addition to the information system associated with primary health care network, a
surveillance system for special groups of diseases is in place. This system uses the
following main sources for data collection:
Compulsory reporting of certain diseases. These include malaria, poliomyelitis,
measles, tuberculosis, diphtheria, HIV/AIDS, neonatal tetanus, cholera, major
thalassemia, and meningococcemia.
Surveys to determine the incidence and prevalence of childhood illnesses, like
diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and nutritional disorders. The
prevalence of major disabilities in all age groups and diabetes has also been
measured in this manner.
Data gathered during the implementation phase of certain health programs, e.g. to
control diabetes, hypertension, brucellosis, kala-azar, and severe mental disorders.
The data so gathered from the study areas is then extrapolated to the country level.
Medical records of hospitals and outpatient clinics affiliated with universities use ICD
codes for disease classification. Depending on the requirements for a particular
program the information from hospitals is collected.
5.4 Health Systems Research
As explained elsewhere, the Minster for Health and Medical Education is supported by
seven Deputy Ministers, and one of them deals with research affairs. In addition, office
of each Deputy Ministers has a section, called ‘Centre for Action Research’ responsible to
undertake research on issues arising from the health services. But, another initiative
launched by the Deputy Minister for Research Affairs is the population laboratory project,
which is a partnership among the students, academics and community who collaborate
in research aiming to solve community problems and bring effective social change. The
major objectives of the project are to:
1. Enable the students, faculty and community to establish partnership for collaboration
to address the community needs;
2. Improve the individual and collective skills to create impact of the living conditions
and the wellbeing of the people; and
3. Enable the society for harnessing further cooperation.
The following methodology is followed in establishing the population laboratories:
1. Selection of universities depending on their commitment and willingness to get
involved in the intervention;
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