Nafiseh Hosseini-Yekta recently highlighted that the Persian medicine services are fully aligned with the Family and Youth Protection Law, according to ISNA. She emphasized that the Health Ministry’s initiative to promote Persian medicine is broadening access across the nation, with 29 government-operated and 27 private outpatient centers now available. Additionally, 77 specialized clinics staffed by Persian medicine experts are part of this growing network.
As of June, approximately 500 Persian medicine specialists are actively offering medical services nationwide. Furthermore, over 1,000 general practitioners who have completed Persian medicine training accredited by the Health Ministry are also contributing to these efforts. Currently, nine universities in the country provide formal education in Persian medicine.
The training of Persian medicine experts remains a key priority for the Persian Medicine Office, which continually develops and conducts various skill enhancement courses under Health Ministry supervision.
The Salamat Health Insurance Organization has recently expanded its coverage for infertility treatments. This includes an increase in the number of covered medications and medical equipment—now 66 drugs and 29 items of equipment, up from 63 and 28 respectively. The scope of coverage has also been broadened to include seven types of medical imaging services, such as diagnostic ultrasounds, and ovarian reserve testing for insured couples.
The updated insurance plan includes 16 genetic testing services for women experiencing habitual or recurrent miscarriages and 45 additional fertility preparation services. Beneficiaries can access outpatient services, which encompass medications, diagnostic tests, imaging services, physician consultations, and inpatient care.
For treatments at government facilities, 90% of the costs are subsidized, while private centers offer similar coverage based on free rates. Approximately 63,000 infertile couples are currently registered with the health insurance system, with expectations for further increases.
The range of services covered by the insurance includes medical equipment, drugs for specific conditions, 56 laboratory services, 20 surgical procedures, four subspecialty treatments, and seven imaging services, as reported by Mohammad-Esmaeil Kameli in November 2023. The health insurance scheme currently serves nearly 45 million people, with 12 million receiving free coverage.
In 2022, the Health Insurance Organization reported an expenditure of 5 trillion rials (about $10 million) on infertility treatments and population growth initiatives. Iran’s Salamat Health Insurance, which provides comprehensive coverage for hospital stays, diagnostic services, outpatient care, and medication at Ministry of Health-affiliated facilities, supports these efforts.
The Iranian government, under President Ebrahim Raisi, has enacted the “Law on Family and Youth Support,” approved by the Majlis and the Guardian Council in November. This seven-year plan aims to reverse declining birth rates through enhanced health insurance for infertile couples, support for working women, and comprehensive family and maternal care.
According to surveys conducted on January 7, Hosseini-Yekta noted that over 80% of Iranians are interested in traditional medicine. The enduring popularity of Persian medicine is reflected in its academic presence and research achievements, positioning Iran as a global leader in traditional medicine research, following China, India, and the United States.
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