Donors’ Participation in Financing Health System of Iran

Iran’s health system faces rising costs and resource scarcity. Donors’ financial contribution is one of the ways to strengthen the country’s health system financing. The purpose of this study was to explore the ways of donors’ participation in financing Iran’s health system. This qualitative study was performed using semi-structured interviews with 38 donors and 26 managers in Social Affiars Deputy of the Ministry of Health and universities of medical sciences in 2017 - 2018. In addition, document analysis was performed using related laws, regulations, policies, plans, etc. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Donors are involved in collecting charitable funds and spending them in the health system. They participate in collecting charitable funds through health charity organizations and councils, distributing donation boxes among the community, crowdfunding in social networks, and holding purposeful events. Donors spend the collected money for developing and expanding healthcare organizations, purchasing healthcare technologies and equipment, paying employees, and paying for poor patients’ healthcare bills. Donors have a significant role in financing the health system. Hence, healthcare policymakers and managers should plan, organize, direct, and supervise donors and charities to maximize their participation.