Health Complex Model as the Start of a New Primary Healthcare Reform in Iran: Part B: The Intervention Protocol

BACKGROUND: For overcoming the existing problems and finding a pathway for realization of universal health care, health complexes were implemented in the form of a pilot project in Tabriz suburban area. METHODS: Tabriz Health Complex Project was designed in 2013 in the provincial health center of East Azerbaijan. In terms of execution schedule, this intervention had 4 phases including 1) study phase, 2) planning phase, 3) pilot phase, and 4) implementation phase. Each health complex covers a population of 40,000 to 120,000 in a defined geographic area and consists of a Comprehensive Health Center (CHC) including health centers and a management center, which usually located in CHC. The important features of this project are as follows: people-centered primary health care, special attention to health promotion and prevention and establishment of a referral system within the region (organic connection between the first and second levels). RESULTS: An accountable and responsive health care system has been established to deliver integrated care services to people in a defined catchment area against identified per capita payment, under district health centre policies and regulations. Each health team consisted of a general practitioner and a family health nurse who covered around 4000 people to deliver prevention, promotion, and treatment services especially in and NCDs field. CONCLUSION: Health complex as a model of public-private participation and practical solution to address many of the problems in the primary care system of the country. The project can organize the PHC system and family medicine program.