The Transition of Health Care in Rural Iran

We investigated the status of rural- urban health differentials and rural health care in Iran. Utilizing the standard health status measures, such as life expectancy at birth and infant mortality, we noted minor rural- urban differences. The level of health indicators in rural areas was explained by several innovative policies in selecting and training the health care providers at the regional and local level. In addition, the establishment and development of a hierarchical primary care network of providers with cultural and language competency contributed to the significant promotion of health particularly among women and children. We discussed these policies and their outcomes in the context of application and adoption in other countries with similar geography and population distribution.