A critique of the hospital services provision in Iran after implementing Health Sector Evolution Plan: A case report

Background and aims: Public sector in Iran is responsible for providing whole primary health care and approximately 85% of the second and third level services. Following the previous programs, and in order to improve health system performance, Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education launched Health Sector Evolution Plan of Iran (HSEP) in 2014 aimed to reduce patients’ cost, improve quality, and provide equal access for all. Methods: We examined the achievement of these objectives through reporting a case and comparing current and past situation. The data related to the case were collected by interview and surveying patient documents. Published articles were considered as a base to compare some indices before and after the plan. Results: Our case was a Ph.D. student who sought out health care for his wound treatment. Total treatment expenses were $ 195 and many medical supplies were used. Waiting time and visit length were calculated 345 minutes and 1 minute, respectively. Paying an amount of money equivalent to almost 57% of his salary and too long waiting time to receiving short visit are in contrast to the primary objectives of HSEP and show no improvement in these indices compared with prior to the plan. Conclusion: With regard to increasing financial resources through HSEP (70%) compared with the same time before HSEP, it is necessary to manage these funds properly to achieve objectives more effective and efficient than the current ones.