Policy brief: addressing the shortage of human resources in the Iranian health system

This policy brief highlights the critical shortage of healthcare workers in Iran, which hinders access, quality, and patient outcomes. The growing demand from population increases and chronic diseases, coupled with issues like geographic maldistribution, workforce migration, inadequate training, and limited support systems, exacerbates the crisis. Urban areas benefit disproportionately, leaving rural communities underserved and healthcare quality compromised. Evidence-based recommendations include incentivizing rural placements, improving workforce management systems, enhancing salaries and working conditions, expanding education and training, and leveraging digital health tools and task-shifting models. A phased implementation strategy is proposed, combining short-term pilot projects with long-term reforms to build a resilient healthcare workforce.