Voices from the Frontline: Healthcare Workers' Perspectives on Government Health Reforms in Iran.

Abstract

Background: The healthcare system is a crucial indicator of government performance, especially in developing countries like the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has seen significant reforms in recent decades. This study explores healthcare workers' perceptions of recent government health policies.

Methods: This study was conducted as a national survey. An anonymous questionnaire containing 22 key challenges facing the healthcare sector was distributed via social media to healthcare employees. The aim was to gather insights on the challenges confronting Iran's healthcare system. After collecting the responses, we evaluated and analyzed the data.

Results: Over one week, we received responses from 805 healthcare workers. The findings revealed that the following issues were considered as the most important priorities across various categories: the healthcare system's entitlement from the gross national product; addressing the problems of doctors, including their income; preventing migration; combating non-scientific health practices; the challenges of medical education for future healthcare providers (such as reduced career hopes, desires to emigrate, drug use, and mental health issues like suicide); and tackling corruption in the country's pharmaceutical market.

Conclusion: The most significant challenges identified were economic issues and the medical education process, from admission to graduation. Notably, as people's ages increased, the scores related to economic challenges and job burnout also rose.