Family physician Assessment implementation based on the model (SWOT) in Iran

Health is the axis and the cornerstone sustainable development. The achievement of equity in health is the most vital need of every society. In this context, one of the recent reforms in the Iranian health care system is rural insurance program which comprises family physician's referral. The aim of this study was to assess and explain the family physician program model (SWOT) in Iran. This study reviewed the related literature using Persian literature resources (SID, Google) and English (Pub Med, Science Direct) and domestic journals in this field. From the beginning of family physician program in 1384, it has continued with the efforts of ministry of health, despite ups and downs and having a very rugged path. Article 91 of Fourth National Economic Social and Cultural development has focused on establishment of health insurance services, and emphasized to the family physician and its related referral system. The results of studies indicate that the referral system can comprise 80% -90% of the health needs at the first level. The main strengths of this program are possession of the infrastructure and organizational commitment, at the same time it has an important weakness, information gap between users and providers of the services. The most important opportunity for the program is the supreme leader and national commitment and Parliament, and the main threat is inappropriate intersectional collaboration. The Islamic Republic of Iran Islamic values and rich cultural background as well as confidence and valuable international experience are important steps that should be taken to implement the program, a family physician and referral system. These steps include the successful implementation of a pilot project in few provinces, employment for doctors and para- medical groups, social justice and satisfaction, etc.