The Ministry of Health and Medical Education, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Iran, organized the second training seminar aimed at enhancing the capacity of primary healthcare (PHC). This seminar was intended for medical personnel who could not attend the first meeting held on July 26.
The seminar, supported by WHO and conducted by the Deputy for Public Health of the Iranian Medical University, took place on August 16 in Tehran. According to a WHO press release dated August 19, both training sessions are designed to deepen the general understanding of the PHC Operational Structure among Center staff and strengthen their ability to implement the 14 operational levers for advancing PHC.
In addition to sessions on the 14 operational levers, a special interdisciplinary session on health system resilience was held. This session emphasized the importance of strengthening PHC capacity for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery while ensuring the continuity of essential medical services.
Following the session on digital health technologies (Lever 11), an additional session was dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). This session highlighted the potential role of AI in improving access to services, supporting treatment continuity, strengthening health information systems, and increasing the resilience and responsiveness of PHC.
Dr. Jean Jabour, WHO representative and Head of Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated: 'Strengthening primary healthcare requires continuous investment in people, systems, and institutional capacity.' He added that this second seminar further enhances the technical competence of the Primary Healthcare Network Management Center in applying the PHC Operational Structure and translating its principles into practical actions. WHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in developing a resilient, equitable, and people-centered PHC system that leaves no one behind and contributes to progress towards universal health coverage.
On behalf of the WHO Country Office, National Health Policy Advisor Dr. Mashaneh Haddadi contributed to the program through interactive presentations and facilitating discussions on three operational levers. The sessions focused on practical aspects of policy and implementation, including equitable access to essential medicines and medical technologies, effective engagement with private service providers, as well as strategic procurement and provider payment mechanisms that promote quality, efficiency, accountability, and equitable access to health services.
Through presentations, group discussions, and technical exchange, participants explored how the operational levers can be transformed into actionable interventions within the health system. The seminar also provided participants with an opportunity to share experiences, identify implementation challenges, and discuss practical opportunities for strengthening PHC at various levels of the health system.
The conclusion of the second training seminar signifies that the capacity-building program has covered all staff of the Primary Healthcare Network Management Center, contributing to a common understanding of the PHC Operational Structure. This ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and WHO is an important step toward strengthening integrated, people-centered PHC and advancing progress towards universal health coverage across the Islamic Republic of Iran.