Under the Iran COVID-19 Emergency Response Project–Additional Financing (ICERP-AF), WHO is overseeing the deployment of cutting-edge medical imaging equipment to 65 public hospitals spanning 31 provinces across the country.
As part of this effort, 42 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, 15 computed tomography (CT) scanners, and 14 angiography systems are being delivered to public hospitals, a major milestone in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
This initiative aims to improve the country’s physical infrastructure and meet the growing demand for diagnostic and healing services.
WHO, in collaboration with the Economic Coordination Centre of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, has effectively delivered 27 MRI machines to designated centres by 31 October 2023.
An additional 814 devices will be distributed to 165 laboratories nationwide, reflecting the Organization’s commitment to bolstering healthcare capabilities across the country.
In particular, WHO meticulously monitors the installation, education and relocation processes so that they meet the highest standards.
To date, the transfer procedure of nine MRI machines has been completed and they are now in a position to care for patients, and five more machines are being trained and moved.
In addition, the supply of complex CT scanners was commissioned. Two CT scanners with 256 sections were delivered to hospitals in Tehran and Mashhad.
One of these machines has already been handed over and is ready for immediate use. Additionally, ten 128-slice CT scanners have been imported to the country, with 6 of them successfully installed, trained, and handed over to recipient hospitals. Four more devices are currently in the training process.
The initiative also addresses the pressing need for angiography machines. At the end of October 2023, 6 angiography machines were imported and were recently being delivered to beneficiary hospitals, expanding the diagnostic functions of the health system.
The variety of devices was based on a comprehensive assessment, taking into account the increased demand for diagnostic devices due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the depreciation of existing devices, and the complexities associated with COVID-19-related illnesses.
The chosen hospitals are primarily located in urban areas, strategically located to serve a giant network of patients within a national healthcare referral system.
Priority has been given to the distribution of medical equipment to designated hospitals based on post-COVID-19 needs, with a special focus on disadvantaged provinces, as well as the availability of specialized personnel and the expertise needed to operate the complex apparatus.
This innovative initiative underscores WHO’s commitment, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Government of Iran, to improve infrastructure and ensure that all citizens have access to complex diagnostic and healing services.
It represents a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and in preparing for future health challenges.
Deputy/