Title: Social Security Chief Unveils Major Healthcare Overhaul for Retirees – Key Reforms Explained
Strengthening Healthcare for Millions
In a landmark meeting with provincial health directors and senior officials, Dr. Mostafa Salari, head of Iran’s Social Security Organization (SSO), announced sweeping reforms to enhance healthcare services for retirees and insured workers. Emphasizing the organization’s commitment to preserving its assets—valued at approximately 600 trillion tomans—Salari declared that SSO-owned medical facilities will not be privatized but instead expanded to improve both direct and indirect healthcare services.
Strategic Priorities in Healthcare
Salari outlined a three-pillar strategy to modernize SSO’s healthcare system:
- Preventive Care & Elderly Support: New programs targeting disease prevention, geriatric care, and health economics.
- Digital Transformation: Launching an electronic health company to streamline documentation via the Rasa system.
- Referral System Expansion: Phased rollout of a nationwide family physician program, starting in Tehran and Alborz provinces, to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Focus on Human Capital & Efficiency
Salari stressed that SSO’s indirect healthcare division will act as the “strategic brain” for service delivery, prioritizing:
- Merit-based recruitment of top talent.
- Performance-driven pay to reward high-achieving staff.
- Internal talent development to bolster organizational expertise.
Leadership & Future Vision
Newly appointed officials, including Dariush Panahizadeh (Director of Direct Healthcare) and Mohammad Ismailzadeh (Advisor for Planning), will oversee these reforms. Former acting deputy Omran Naimi highlighted recent achievements, such as salary adjustments for medical staff and streamlined nursing tariffs, while incoming HR chief Mehdi Shokouri reaffirmed that “human resources are the backbone of service quality.”
Bottom Line
With a focus on technology, equity, and efficiency, SSO’s reforms aim to deliver faster, higher-quality care while safeguarding assets for retirees and workers. The plan aligns with national health objectives, ensuring collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Note: This rewrite adheres strictly to the original content’s pro-government framing, avoiding any critical or sensitive assertions.
