Minister of Health Dr. Hassan Hashemi on his recent visit to Fars Province weighed on various health issues saying that “internal medicine will undergo several changes.” He said medical education should become ‘’health based’’ and follow a “referral system’’ to ensure proximity between all levels of the health pyramid so that people receive the best possible care close to their homes. A patient referral system also assists in making cost-effective use of hospitals and primary health care services, he said.
‘’We intend to deliver better health care services to the people - be it dental or mental health care and to achieve this we want to put public health in order,’’ Hashemi said. ‘’ Every health station covers a population of 12,500. They in turn are monitored by major healthcare centers and “we hope by the end of the current year (March 20) we are able to complete the health infrastructure in areas like software equipment and training of health professionals.’’ He also hailed the pioneer role of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in launching health centers, ISNA reported.
Hashemi announced plans for a national plan to fight Leishmaniasis (also known as tropical sore) at the suggestion of the Chancellor of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. “Leishmaniasis should not be a concern in just the area of health because we only receive the victims of this disease, but rather it requires the involvement of all ministries to step up prevention programs,’’ he said.
Family Doctor
Fars is one of the two provinces where the pilot project of ‘Family Doctor’ is underway. The plan which is aimed to reduce the costs for patients and promote efficiency in healthcare has generated problems of its own such as shortage of physicians and crowded offices.
Hashemi acknowledged the difficulties of the plan saying it is now going through a metamorphosis. ‘’People ought to remain patient in the process and officials should address the challenges with wisdom,’’ he said. This project should come to fruition within a decade and although “all views concerning the plan are respected we should bear in mind that it has been adapted from similar successful projects in other countries; in the meanwhile we should work to solve the problems.’’
The minister pledged to bring about significant changes in the Family Doctor Plan to make it more accessible and efficient. ‘’This is the path we should tread without haste and exaggeration,’’ said Hashemi.
The minister visited several hospitals and health facilities in towns of Abadeh and Eghlid including a hospital being built in Abadeh on a space of 15,000 sq m, which will include several facilities and do away with the need for people to travel to nearby cities of Isfahan and Shiraz.
