Foresight Analysis of Governance of Military Hospital Services in Iran: Challenges and Solutions

Objective: Military hospital networks carry out multifaceted and strategic missions, including supporting military operations to ensure national security. The present study aims to provide a futuristic analysis of the governance of military hospital services in Iran. Methodology: In this qualitative study, 17 participants with diverse specializations were selected using purposive sampling. The Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Findings: The results were categorized into two main themes, including challenges (lack of systems thinking, irregular health monitoring of personnel, fragmented development of hospitals, commercialized perspective toward hospitals, unstable hospital supply chains in crises) and solutions (establishment of Iran's integrated military healthcare network, purchasing primary healthcare services, reforming the structure of armed forces health insurance, defining specific indicators for hospital evaluation, utilizing medical and educational services from civilian centers). Conclusion: Addressing the identified challenges and implementing the proposed solutions can position military hospitals to perform their critical missions effectively with optimal agility and operational readiness. Through gradual, evidence-based reforms, Iran's military health system has the potential to emerge as an efficient model of military healthcare services in the medium- and long-term