Availability, affordability and health insurance coverage of breast cancer services in Iran - An analysis based on the Universal Health Coverage-Service Planning Delivery and Implementation tool

IF 2 Q3 HEALTH POLICY & SERVICES Journal of Cancer Policy Pub Date : 2025-03-15 DOI:10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100571

Zahra Goudarzi , Mojtaba Nouhi , Majid Heydari , Leon Bijlmakers

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Abstract

Background

As part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage for priority conditions in Iran, it is crucial to evaluate the breast cancer service package and identify aspects that may require adjustment. This study analyzes the current state of breast cancer service supply, service delivery platforms, health insurance coverage, and patient co-payment levels.

Methods

The Universal Health Coverage Compendium (UHCC) developed by WHO served to list and distinguish various types of breast cancer services. Information from health insurance agencies in Iran was obtained on actual service provision in the country. The Universal Health Coverage Service Planning Delivery and Implementation (UHC-SPDI) tool was used to assess the scope of breast cancer service delivery in Iran and human workforce levels, and to identify possible gaps in service coverage.

Results

All 73 actions listed as breast cancer services in the UHC-SPDI are provided in the Iranian healthcare system, with a strong reliance on out-patient centers and hospitals rather than primary health care facilities as service delivery platforms, reflecting suboptimal integration of service delivery. Eighty-seven percent of the services are recognized and accepted by health insurance agencies, with cost coverage levels ranging from 20 % for magnetic resonance imaging to 100 % for intravenous targeted therapy for metastasis. Genomic tests and four medicines (Pembrolizumab, Pertuzumab, Anastrozole, and Fluorouracil) are not covered by health insurance.

Conclusion

The UHC-SPDI has offered an instrumental framework for a comprehensive assessment of Iran’s national breast cancer service package composition by connecting it to the service delivery system and human resources competencies. There is room for improvement of the breast cancer service package in Iran, not only in terms of their health insurance coverage, but also in terms of their actual delivery.

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