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1- Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran , kabirmj63@gmail.com
2- Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2- Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Abstract: (64 Views)
Background: The Darooyar plan, launched in July 2022, marked a structural shift in Iran's pharmaceutical subsidy system by transferring financial support from a preferential currency regime to basic health insurers. Although this reform has enhanced transparency and reduced rent-seeking, two years of implementation have shown that subsidy modification alone is insufficient to achieve a sustainable impact.
Challenges: Supply-side obstacles include irregular budget allocations, incomplete integration of the T-Tak track-and-trace system with insurer and e-prescribing platforms, and the absence of mechanisms to absorb exchange-rate shocks. Concurrently, demand-side constraints, such as a non-functional referral system, incomplete nationwide e-prescribing, and a high average of 3.5 medicine items per prescription (versus the global benchmark of 1.8–2.2), continue to drive irrational prescribing.
Recommendations: This brief proposes a dual-sided reform package: (1) establishing a dedicated monthly budget line, (2) completing T-Tak integration within 12 months, (3) designing a joint public-insurer exchange-rate and liquidity adjustment fund, (4) mandating e-prescribing, (5) strengthening the referral system through provincial pilots, and (6) forming a permanent coordination working group with defined authority for monitoring and quarterly public reporting.
Conclusion: The Darooyar plan is a necessary reform; however, its consolidation requires a balanced, multi-stakeholder approach. Implementing this coordinated package can guide Iran's pharmaceutical system towards equitable, transparent, and sustainable access to medicines.
Challenges: Supply-side obstacles include irregular budget allocations, incomplete integration of the T-Tak track-and-trace system with insurer and e-prescribing platforms, and the absence of mechanisms to absorb exchange-rate shocks. Concurrently, demand-side constraints, such as a non-functional referral system, incomplete nationwide e-prescribing, and a high average of 3.5 medicine items per prescription (versus the global benchmark of 1.8–2.2), continue to drive irrational prescribing.
Recommendations: This brief proposes a dual-sided reform package: (1) establishing a dedicated monthly budget line, (2) completing T-Tak integration within 12 months, (3) designing a joint public-insurer exchange-rate and liquidity adjustment fund, (4) mandating e-prescribing, (5) strengthening the referral system through provincial pilots, and (6) forming a permanent coordination working group with defined authority for monitoring and quarterly public reporting.
Conclusion: The Darooyar plan is a necessary reform; however, its consolidation requires a balanced, multi-stakeholder approach. Implementing this coordinated package can guide Iran's pharmaceutical system towards equitable, transparent, and sustainable access to medicines.
Keywords: Pharmaceutical Policy (Drug and Narcotic Control), Pharmaceutical Subsidy, Supply Demand Coordination, Iran Health System
Type of Study: Short Communication |
Subject:
Health Policy
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2026/07/12
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2026/07/12
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