Mohammad-Mehdi Nasehi, head of the Iranian Health Insurance Organization, and representatives of the International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) committee explored opportunities to improve cooperation.
Conference Chairman Hematram Yadav and its organizer Isanka Gamage met with Iranian officials to discuss ways to enhance interaction in the fields of medical insurance research and exchange of management experience, according to Borna news agency.
The meeting took place during the 12th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH), which was held from August 5 to 7 in Bali, Malaysia. Nasehi led the Iranian delegation.
Yadav highly praised Iran's active participation, stating that strengthening scientific cooperation with Iran would be a valuable opportunity for ICOPH participants.
For his part, Nasehi expressed the country's readiness to develop scientific partnership with ICOPH. He noted that establishing contacts with universities, research institutes, and medical organizations of ICOPH member countries could promote broader scientific, research, and managerial cooperation in the health and medical insurance sectors.
Nasehi added that many Asian countries face problems similar to those affecting the Iranian healthcare system, so knowledge and experience exchange between these states will help find effective solutions to overcome common difficulties.
Highlighting Iran's scientific and managerial capabilities in health and insurance, he pointed to the country's significant potential to share its experience with like-minded individuals, as well as to gain knowledge, experience, and achievements from other countries to improve the medical insurance system and manage existing challenges.
Expanding scientific diplomacy is viewed as an effective method for strengthening international relations in the field of health. He also noted that building sustainable ties between scientific centers, universities, and executive organizations in Asian countries can lead to joint research, sharing successful experiences, and increasing specialized knowledge in medicine and insurance.
The official continued that scientific and research cooperation, regardless of geographical borders, can help increase countries' ability to solve common health problems and pave the way for creating an active network of scientific interaction in the region.
The 12th Conference gathered researchers, managers, and public health experts from around the world. The Iranian delegation participated in meetings and specialized seminars, focusing on experience exchange and expanding scientific and research collaborations with scientific centers and medical organizations in Asian countries.
ICOPH 2026 was held under the theme 'Beyond Borders: Advancing Public Health Through Resilience, Innovation, and Global Change'. As the leading Medical Conference of 2026, ICOPH 2026 invited participants to rethink methods of research, practices, and implementation of public health, linking global ideas with local actions.
The theme emphasized that modern public health is no longer limited by borders, institutions, or traditional approaches. Climate change, digital transformation, health inequality, pandemics, and changing population needs have clearly shown that solving public health problems requires cross-border cooperation.
The annual conference promotes interdisciplinary interaction for developing research and innovation in public health. It encourages sustainable solutions and the use of new technologies to address pressing global health issues. By providing a dynamic platform for discussion and collaboration, ICOPH brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to exchange views and develop transformative strategies.
Health Insurance Services
According to the Ministry of Health data, the Health Insurance Organization covers about two million patients with rare and incurable diseases.
To protect patient health and reduce the financial burden on households, a number of specialized medical service packages have been defined for them, and more such packages are being developed. These packages include diagnostic, therapeutic, pharmaceutical, rehabilitative, and dental services provided both outpatient and inpatient, with minimal deductibles or free of charge.
In 2024, seven more anti-cancer drugs were added to the rare disease fund, and medical insurance covers 70 percent of the costs. A representative of the Health Insurance Organization, Kameli, quoted by IRIB, stated that 'currently, with the inclusion of these seven drugs, the total anti-cancer drug fund amounts to 90, and medical insurance pays from 70 to 95 percent of their cost.'
The number of medical centers contracted with the Health Insurance Organization increased by seven percent in the last Iranian calendar year (ending March 19) compared to the previous year. According to the organization's official representative, Kivana Tajbakhsha, over 53,000 centers signed contracts with health insurance organizations in 2025, as reported by IRNA.
Medical insurance contracts were signed with governmental, non-governmental, private, and charitable centers to provide services. These centers include doctor's offices, hospitals, pharmacies, rehabilitation centers, and all medical institutions.
Tajbakhsha expressed hope for an increase in the number of medical centers that are parties to contracts with the Health Insurance Organization as new contract forms approved by the Supreme Council of Insurance are announced. He specified that 13,931 pharmacies, 20,804 doctor's offices, 2,049 clinics, 2,446 independent laboratories, and 4,261 rehabilitation centers, both independent and affiliated with other organizations, have signed agreements with the Health Insurance Organization.
