Iran aims to revise its health insurance benefit package (HIBP) to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) but has faced criticism for lack of accountability and transparency in the decision-making process.
The High Council for Health Insurance (HCHI) led the revision from 2019-2021 using evidence-informed deliberative processes (EDPs), including a pilot project focused on multiple sclerosis (MS) that involved various stakeholders.
The pilot project involved setting up advisory committees, establishing decision criteria, evaluating services, and is expected to enhance the legitimacy of decision-making, improve MS patient care, and expand access to essential health services without exceeding the budget.