Journal of Ophthalmic and Optometric Sciences

Vol. 9 No. 3 (2025)

Iran’s Health Transformation Plan and the COVID-19 Response: A Systematic Review of Strengths, Failures, and Lessons

Journal of Ophthalmic and Optometric Sciences, Vol. 9 No. 3 (2025), 22 Tir 2025 , Page 36-47
https://doi.org/10.22037/joos.v9i3.51083

Abstract

 

Purpose: To examine how Iran’s Health Transformation Plan (HTP), introduced in 2014 to expand coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs, shaped the country’s COVID-19 response and to identify lessons for future health crises.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review of studies published between 2014 and 2023 was conducted in line with PRISMA standards. Sources included international databases, national policy documents, and institutional reports. Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized thematically and interpreted using Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework.
Results: The HTP improved access to health services but provided limited resilience during COVID-19. Lockdowns were partial and delayed; digital tools were mostly informational hotlines rather than case-based tracing; laboratory and testing capacity expanded slowly; and social protection programs largely excluded informal workers. Vaccine rollout was delayed by early restrictions on Western imports but accelerated later through domestic production and alternative imports. Across domains, the absence of interoperable data systems, particularly a National Vulnerability Database, restricted targeted interventions.
Conclusion: The HTP enhanced visibility but lacked adaptability in crisis. Durable resilience requires interoperable data governance, inclusive social protection, and decentralized preparedness. The findings provide transferable lessons for health reforms under fiscal and geopolitical constraints.

Keywords:
  • Health Transformation Plan
  • COVID-19
  • Health System Reform
  • Iran
  • Systematic Review
  • Health Policy
  • Pandemics

How to Cite

Rahmani, H., Niazi , S., Ostadtaghizadeh , A., Arab , M., & Doroodgar, F. (2025). Iran’s Health Transformation Plan and the COVID-19 Response: A Systematic Review of Strengths, Failures, and Lessons. Journal of Ophthalmic and Optometric Sciences, 9(3), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.22037/joos.v9i3.51083

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