Healthcare disparities in Iran visualized as a divided map.

Healthcare Disparities in Iran: Understanding Unequal Access and What Can Be Done

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the geographical inequalities in healthcare access in Iran's Lorestan Province and the broader implications for public health policy."

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet its distribution is rarely uniform. Unequal access to healthcare services remains a persistent challenge globally, and Iran is no exception. Disparities can arise from a complex interplay of factors, including geographical location, socioeconomic status, and the availability of resources.

In Iran, these disparities are particularly evident when examining healthcare access across different provinces and cities. Factors such as the uneven distribution of healthcare facilities, workforce shortages, and infrastructure limitations contribute to these inequalities.

This article delves into the issue of healthcare disparities in Iran, with a specific focus on Lorestan Province. By analyzing the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and exploring the underlying causes of these disparities, we can gain insights into the challenges and potential solutions for creating a more equitable healthcare system for all Iranians.

Why Does Location Matter? Unpacking Geographical Disparities in Lorestan

Healthcare disparities in Iran visualized as a divided map.

Lorestan Province, located in western Iran, provides a compelling case study for understanding healthcare disparities. A study analyzing healthcare access across the province's cities revealed significant regional inequalities. Using the Scalogram analysis model, researchers assessed the availability of healthcare resources, including infrastructure and manpower, to determine the level of development in each city.

The findings highlighted a clear divide between urban and rural areas, with major cities like Khorramabad enjoying better access to healthcare services compared to smaller towns like Delfan. This disparity is attributed to several factors:

Uneven Distribution of Resources: Healthcare facilities and personnel are often concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural areas underserved.
Infrastructure Limitations: Rural areas may lack adequate transportation, communication, and utilities, hindering access to healthcare services.
Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and lower levels of education in rural areas can further exacerbate healthcare disparities.

The Scalogram analysis model revealed that Khorramabad and Delfan ranked highest and lowest, respectively, in terms of healthcare access. Alarmingly, a significant portion of the province's cities were classified as underdeveloped, indicating a pressing need for targeted interventions and resource allocation.

Moving Towards Equity: Policy Recommendations for a Healthier Iran

Addressing healthcare disparities in Iran requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the underlying causes of inequality. Policymakers must prioritize the equitable distribution of healthcare resources, focusing on underserved areas. This includes investing in infrastructure, attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities, and implementing targeted programs to address socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access. By prioritizing equity and investing in underserved areas, Iran can move towards a healthcare system that truly serves all its citizens.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5539/gjhs.v6n5p81, Alternate LINK

Title: An Analysis Of Disparities In Access To Health Care In Iran: Evidence From Lorestan Province

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Global Journal of Health Science

Publisher: Canadian Center of Science and Education

Authors: Reza Nemati, Hesam Seyedin, Ali Nemati, Jamil Sadeghifar, Ali Beigi Nasiri, Seyyed Meysam Mousavi, Keyvan Rahmani, Mostafa Beigi Nasiri

Published: 2014-05-13

Everything You Need To Know

What are healthcare disparities in Iran, and why are they a problem?

Healthcare disparities in Iran refer to the unequal access to healthcare services among different populations. These disparities are influenced by factors such as geographical location and socioeconomic status. Unequal access means that some people may not receive the medical care they need, while others have easy access to quality services. This is a critical issue as access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Addressing these disparities requires understanding their underlying causes and implementing policies to ensure equitable access for all Iranians.

How does where someone lives affect their access to healthcare in Iran?

Geographical location significantly impacts healthcare access in Iran, particularly in provinces like Lorestan. Rural areas often have limited healthcare facilities, personnel, and infrastructure compared to urban centers. This uneven distribution means that individuals in rural areas face challenges in obtaining timely and adequate medical care. The Scalogram analysis model showed that cities like Khorramabad enjoy better access than smaller towns like Delfan. To address this, policymakers must prioritize the equitable distribution of healthcare resources and invest in underserved areas.

What is the Scalogram analysis model, and how was it used to study healthcare in Lorestan Province?

The Scalogram analysis model is a tool used to assess the availability of healthcare resources, including infrastructure and manpower, to determine the level of development in different cities or regions. In the context of Lorestan Province, this model helps identify areas with limited healthcare access. By ranking cities based on their healthcare resource availability, it highlights the disparities between urban and rural areas, enabling targeted interventions and resource allocation to address these inequalities.

How do things like poverty and education affect healthcare access in Iran?

Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and lower levels of education, significantly exacerbate healthcare disparities in Iran. These factors can limit individuals' ability to access healthcare services, even when they are available. For example, people with lower incomes may struggle to afford transportation to healthcare facilities or to pay for medical treatments. Addressing these socioeconomic barriers requires targeted programs and policies that aim to reduce poverty, increase employment opportunities, and improve educational attainment, ultimately promoting more equitable healthcare access.

What are some of the things that can be done to make healthcare more equal in Iran?

Addressing healthcare disparities in Iran requires a multi-faceted approach. Prioritizing the equitable distribution of healthcare resources, focusing on underserved areas, is essential. Investing in infrastructure, attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities, and implementing targeted programs to address socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access are needed. Policymakers must consider the unique challenges faced by different regions and populations to create a healthcare system that truly serves all citizens, promoting equity and improving public health outcomes. The role of corruption and political will are not mentioned and are vital to improve the situation.