Successful implementation of general health policies in the Islamic Republic of Iran: barriers and mechanisms

The general health policies for the Islamic Republic of Iran were approved in April 2014. This study examined the barriers currently faced by general health policies and the mechanisms required for the successful implementation of these polices. This qualitative study was conducted as a two-phase project based on standard CAN-IMPLEMENT guidelines. A set of qualitative methods, including face-to-face in-depth interviews, focus groups, and in-person consensus meetings, were used to clarify mechanisms and barriers. Twenty-one mechanisms and 13 barriers were identified. The majority of mechanisms were related to the development of health infrastructures and appropriate allocation of resources. The most significant barriers to implementation of general health policies were lack of formulated strategies, poor management, lack of a comprehensive national action plan, minimal information infrastructures, and inadequate funding. A thorough understanding of barriers and mechanisms for implementation of general health policies can provide the necessary background to ensure successful health promotion in the country.