Iran Health Commission reviews 157 questions for Minister and discusses Social Security reforms

The Iranian Parliament's Health and Treatment Commission is intensifying oversight of the healthcare sector, addressing both organizational management and systemic medical shortages.

In a meeting with Gholamhossein Mohammadi, the acting head of the Social Security Organization, the commission discussed financial strategies to stabilize the organization. Salman Eshaghi, the commission spokesperson, noted that Mohammadi proposed ten operational solutions and identified three new financial sources to meet health sector obligations. Discussions focused on settling outstanding debts to medical universities, family physicians, dialysis centers, and pharmacies. Eshaghi emphasized the need to address previously unallocated funds and adjust financial resources to account for inflation.

Separately, the commission is reviewing 157 formal questions directed at the Minister of Health. Key concerns raised by lawmakers include rising treatment costs, the increasing financial burden on patients, and high drug prices. The commission highlighted a critical shortage of approximately 800 types of medication, as well as concerns regarding the quality of domestic medical supplies and the need for influenza vaccine supplies. Eshaghi warned that the government must address these issues or face further legal oversight from the commission.