Comprehensive and Structural Challenges in the Implementation of Iranian Traditional Medicine within the Health System: A Systematic Review

Zadehashem, Shabnam; Azami, Masoumeh; Nazari, Niusha; Tajari, Atefeh; Tavana, Mojgan; Saadati Rad, Mohammad  Taha; Pourgholam, Nima; Ebadi, Abbas

doi:10.22087/ijac.2025.561238.1080

Comprehensive and Structural Challenges in the Implementation of Iranian Traditional Medicine within the Health System: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Review

Authors

Shabnam Zadehashem ¹

Masoumeh Azami ²

Niusha Nazari ³

Atefeh Tajari ⁴

Mojgan Tavana ⁵

Mohammad Taha Saadati Rad ⁶

Nima Pourgholam ⁷

Abbas Ebadi ⁸

¹ Faculty of Medical Management and Informatics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran, Iran

³ Community health research center, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

⁴ Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katul Branch, Aliabad Katul, Iran

⁵ Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch, Sari, Iran

⁶ Student Research Committee, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

⁷ Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Department of Community Health and Geriatric Nursing, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁸ Nursing Care Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22087/ijac.2025.561238.1080

Abstract

Iranian traditional medicine, as an integral component of cultural heritage and indigenous healthcare, holds considerable potential for enhancing public health. Nevertheless, it encounters significant obstacles to its integration into contemporary health systems. This study seeks to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the challenges associated with the implementation of Iranian traditional medicine within Iran's healthcare system and to propose effective strategies for its development and consolidation. Key challenges identified include the lack of specialized infrastructure and evidence-based standards in traditional medicine, resistance to and limited acceptance of traditional medicine by the modern medical community, communication gaps and decreased mutual trust between physicians and patients, insufficient insurance coverage of traditional medicine services, and the absence of comprehensive policies and integrative approaches in the health system. Additionally, the roles of cultural, educational, and technological factors in facilitating or hindering service implementation were highlighted. The sustainable development of Iranian traditional medicine necessitates a multidimensional approach and high-level policymaking, focusing on specialized education, strengthening scientific and technological infrastructure, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and reforming insurance systems. Neglecting these factors disrupts the integration process and limits the potential benefits of traditional medicine within the national health framework.

Keywords

Iranian Traditional Medicine

Health system

Structural challenges

Integration of health services

Health policy

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