Tehran, May 19, IRNA - The Head of Irans Health Research and Policymaking Center said recently that the implementation of the Health Development Plan is expected to meet the needs of people living across the country.
Kamran Baqeri Lankarani added that serious efforts should be made to implement the plan in vulnerable regions, and that more healthcare facilities should be provided to people in remote and underprivileged regions.
The costly treatments borne by patients in sub-specialized hospitals should be considered by healthcare planners, he said.
Studies conducted in Iran and other countries show that the wealthy usually benefit most from funds allocated to the health sector, he said, adding that the issue is among the main challenges facing the sector.
Lankarani said the plan should help reduce the gap between the rich and poor.
Managing Director of Health Insurance Organization Anoushirvan Mohseni said earlier the Health Development Plan, launched on May 5, has helped the government reduce the cost borne by patients for surgeries and medicines significantly.
Based on the plan, 404 drugs will be made available to patients suffering from cancer, infertility and chronic diseases for free, he said.
Mohseni stressed that peoples cooperation is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the plan.