There are 15,000 general physicians in the country who are pursuing a profession other than a medical career, said Iraj Harirchi, deputy minister of health, at a press conference Monday. Although most doctors earn good salaries, some of them leave the medical profession to avoid serving in the provinces or underprivileged regions. A private GP charges $5.5 for a visit, Shafaonline reported. The Iran Medical Council says there are 78,000 general practitioners (GPs), 36,000 specialists, 24,000 general dentists, 2,000 dental specialists in the country. Almost 40% of all physicians work in Tehran Province.
