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Nikpour, Mahtab, Raeyat Mohtashami, Abolfazl, Dastgerdizad Elderani, Hadis, Khodayari Zarnagh, Rahim, Sarmasti, Maryam. (1405). Refugees, Migrants and Universal Health Coverage in Iran: Access Challenges and Policy Options. سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 13(3), 184-193. doi: 10.30476/jhmi.2026.110144.1347
Mahtab Nikpour; Abolfazl Raeyat Mohtashami; Hadis Dastgerdizad Elderani; Rahim Khodayari Zarnagh; Maryam Sarmasti. "Refugees, Migrants and Universal Health Coverage in Iran: Access Challenges and Policy Options". سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 13, 3, 1405, 184-193. doi: 10.30476/jhmi.2026.110144.1347
Nikpour, Mahtab, Raeyat Mohtashami, Abolfazl, Dastgerdizad Elderani, Hadis, Khodayari Zarnagh, Rahim, Sarmasti, Maryam. (1405). 'Refugees, Migrants and Universal Health Coverage in Iran: Access Challenges and Policy Options', سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 13(3), pp. 184-193. doi: 10.30476/jhmi.2026.110144.1347
Nikpour, Mahtab, Raeyat Mohtashami, Abolfazl, Dastgerdizad Elderani, Hadis, Khodayari Zarnagh, Rahim, Sarmasti, Maryam. Refugees, Migrants and Universal Health Coverage in Iran: Access Challenges and Policy Options. سامانه مدیریت نشریات علمی, 1405; 13(3): 184-193. doi: 10.30476/jhmi.2026.110144.1347

Refugees, Migrants and Universal Health Coverage in Iran: Access Challenges and Policy Options

Health Management & Information Science
دوره 13، شماره 3، مهر 2026، صفحه 184-193    اصل مقاله (465.26 K)
نوع مقاله: Original Article
شناسه دیجیتال (DOI): 10.30476/jhmi.2026.110144.1347
نویسندگان
Mahtab Nikpour1؛ Abolfazl Raeyat Mohtashami* 2؛ Hadis Dastgerdizad Elderani3؛ Rahim Khodayari Zarnagh* 4؛ Maryam Sarmasti1
1Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3Assistant Professor of Global Health Studies, Department of Sociology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
4Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
چکیده
Introduction: Refugee and migrant populations are increasing globally, intensifying the need for equitable access to essential health services and progress toward universal health coverage (UHC). Iran hosts large numbers of documented and undocumented refugees and migrants, yet barriers may limit access to care. This debate article aims to synthesize Iran-specific evidence on access challenges and to outline feasible policy options to advance migrant-responsive UHC.
Methods: We conducted an evidence-informed narrative synthesis of Iran-focused peer-reviewed studies and relevant policy/technical documents identified through targeted searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by reference-list screening and key WHO/UNHCR and national materials. We focused on four domains with comparatively robust Iran-specific evidence and high UHC relevance: primary health care, maternal care, HIV services, and rehabilitation.
Results: Across domains, recurring barriers included language and communication difficulties; cultural mismatches; limited or incomplete insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket payments; low health literacy and unfamiliarity with the health system; stigma and discrimination (particularly in HIV services); and financial and geographic constraints that disrupt continuity of care. Legal status insecurity—especially among undocumented migrants—further delays care-seeking and follow-up. Policy options include expanding affordable insurance with flexible premium payment; strengthening culturally competent care and interpreter support; targeted health-literacy outreach and service navigation through NGOs/community actors; stigma-reduction training and confidentiality safeguards; and subsidised referral pathways for specialised services, including rehabilitation.
Conclusions: Coordinated reforms in financing, culturally responsive service delivery and community-based support can improve access for refugees and migrants and accelerate progress toward UHC in Iran.

تازه های تحقیق

Mahtab Nikpour: Google Scholar

Abolfazl Raeyat Mohtashami: Google Scholar

Rahim Khodayari Zarnagh: Google Scholar

کلیدواژه‌ها
Refugees؛ Emigrants and Immigrants؛ Health Services Accessibility؛ Universal Health Coverage؛ Iran
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