Strengthening Private Sector Participation in Healthcare
The Deputy Minister of Health emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in healthcare during the National Environmental Health Day ceremony. He highlighted the global trend of outsourcing various services, including security, to private entities and questioned why healthcare services should be any different. He also addressed workforce and equipment shortages in the environmental health sector, calling for urgent solutions.
Strengthening Private Sector Participation in Healthcare
According to Salamat News, Alireza Raisi, Deputy Minister of Health, stressed the need for private sector involvement in strengthening healthcare services during the National Environmental Health Day ceremony and the launch of the Nowruz Health Program. He stated, “We should not fear outsourcing certain healthcare services to the private sector. In today’s world, even security services are entrusted to private entities.” Raisi pointed out that some healthcare and regulatory services, such as inspections of businesses and public places, could be effectively managed by private companies.
Challenges in Environmental Health
Raisi also highlighted the existing challenges in the environmental health sector, citing a shortage of personnel, vehicles, and sanitary equipment. He expressed concerns over inadequate coverage of environmental and occupational health services, attributing these shortcomings to a lack of resources. He stressed the need for environmental health professionals to focus more on supervision and for better utilization of Health Service Offices.
He praised the efforts of environmental health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging their sacrifices and dedication in maintaining the country’s public health system. “During the pandemic, environmental health workers played a crucial role and upheld the nation’s healthcare system with their selfless efforts.”
The Need to Improve Healthcare Workers’ Living Conditions
The Deputy Minister of Health further emphasized the importance of improving the livelihoods of healthcare workers, stating that “Enhancing the financial well-being of healthcare staff is one of the ministry’s top priorities in this new phase.” He noted that this issue is particularly significant for environmental health professionals, given their constant and demanding responsibilities.
Raisi also addressed equipment shortages in some provinces, particularly the lack of vehicles for environmental health inspection missions. “Despite their high level of expertise, environmental health workers often lack the necessary tools and equipment to carry out their duties effectively, creating additional challenges.”
As healthcare professionals and policymakers push for reforms, the discussion around private sector engagement in public health continues to gain momentum, with hopes of improving service efficiency and resource allocation in the sector.
