Journal of Medical Council of Iran
Volume 44, Issue 3 (2026)
jmciri 2026, 44(3): 6-11 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Raeeszadeh M, Tabaeian P, Dormanesh B, Fathi M. Analysis of the Distribution of Physicians in Iran: Is the Main Challenge Physician Shortage or Misdistribution?. jmciri 2026; 44 (3) :6-11
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3480-en.html
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3480-en.html
Professor of Pediatric Nephrology AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Head of Research Department of Iran Medical Council, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (23 Views)
Introduction
The appropriate distribution of physicians is one of the most important indicators of health system performance. In addition to the number of physicians, their geographical distribution plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to health services. This study aimed to analyze the physician-to-population ratio and geographical distribution of physicians in Iran and to compare these indicators with international benchmarks.
This analytical study was based on secondary data. Data were obtained from the statistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran Medical Council, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the World Health Organization, and the International Monetary Fund. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative approaches.
According to the latest available statistics, Iran has approximately 20 physicians per 10,000 population, which is higher than the global average. However, substantial geographical disparities in physician distribution were observed across the provinces, with a considerable gap between provinces with the highest and lowest physician-to-population ratios. As an example, the number of pediatricians in Iran, as one of the indicators of the country’s health care capacity, is at an acceptable level compared with many other countries. Nevertheless, their uneven geographical distribution remains one of the major challenges facing the health system.
The main challenge facing the Iranian health system is not an absolute shortage of physicians, but rather the misdistribution of the medical workforce. Effective policies aimed at improving physician retention in underserved areas, along with further studies to identify the factors contributing to these inequalities, are essential.
The appropriate distribution of physicians is one of the most important indicators of health system performance. In addition to the number of physicians, their geographical distribution plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to health services. This study aimed to analyze the physician-to-population ratio and geographical distribution of physicians in Iran and to compare these indicators with international benchmarks.
This analytical study was based on secondary data. Data were obtained from the statistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran Medical Council, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the World Health Organization, and the International Monetary Fund. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative approaches.
According to the latest available statistics, Iran has approximately 20 physicians per 10,000 population, which is higher than the global average. However, substantial geographical disparities in physician distribution were observed across the provinces, with a considerable gap between provinces with the highest and lowest physician-to-population ratios. As an example, the number of pediatricians in Iran, as one of the indicators of the country’s health care capacity, is at an acceptable level compared with many other countries. Nevertheless, their uneven geographical distribution remains one of the major challenges facing the health system.
The main challenge facing the Iranian health system is not an absolute shortage of physicians, but rather the misdistribution of the medical workforce. Effective policies aimed at improving physician retention in underserved areas, along with further studies to identify the factors contributing to these inequalities, are essential.
Keywords: Physicians, Geographical Distribution, Physician-to-Population Ratio, Health Policy, Iranian Health System
Type of Study: Editorial |
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |