Iran health officials address medical specialist and nursing shortages

Iran's health officials are addressing systemic challenges in the medical workforce, specifically regarding student capacity and nursing shortages.

Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi, the Minister of Health, stated during a medical education council meeting that simply increasing the capacity for medical students does not automatically resolve the country's specialist needs. He emphasized that providing specialists to various regions depends on multiple factors, including improving living conditions for professionals in smaller cities. Zafarkandi also noted that increasing numbers in specialized fields like surgery requires adequate clinical environments and patient access to ensure practical skill acquisition.

Separately, Seyed Reza Rais-Karami, President of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, highlighted a critical shortage of nursing applicants. While he noted there are no current budgetary or licensing restrictions preventing the hiring of nurses, there is a lack of sufficient candidates willing to apply. Rais-Karami also addressed economic concerns, noting that while efforts are being made to manage salaries and overtime, high inflation has prevented wage increases from keeping pace with the cost of living.