Health care systems in selected countries and Iran: A descriptive-comparative study

Abstract

The main goal of health care systems in countries is improving the health of population in order empower them to help in economic and social activities. This research was conducted to compare health care system in Iran and some chosen countries in the world. This is a descriptive-comparative study which was conducted to compare health services delivery models in Iran and some chosen countries in the world with focus on family physician's practice. In this research 20 out of 191 countries, which were ranked by WHO in terms of health care delivery were selected, and six countries including were studied based on availability of data. These data were compared to that of Iran. Data were excluded and reported qualitatively. The results from this study showed that there is a gap in health system indicators between Iran and other selected countries. According to the findings from this study and experiences from successful health systems in the world, it can be concluded that to have a better health care system in Iran, some proceedings about decentralization in government role should be taken.