The Iranian Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday the commencement of the third phase of the national Family Physician Program. According to Alireza Raeisi, an official within the ministry, this expansion marks a significant step in the government's effort to standardize healthcare access through a structured referral system. The program is now active in 19 cities, representing a continued rollout of a policy intended to manage patient flow from primary care physicians to specialists.

The Family Physician Program is designed to act as the first point of contact for citizens within the public health network. By requiring patients to consult with a designated family physician before seeking specialized care, the ministry aims to improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary medical expenditures. While the government presents this as a necessary infrastructure upgrade, the program has historically faced logistical challenges regarding resource allocation and the availability of qualified medical personnel in smaller urban centers. The current expansion suggests that the health ministry is moving forward with its implementation timeline despite these ongoing operational hurdles. The ministry has not yet released specific data regarding the number of residents newly covered by this phase or the timeline for a nationwide rollout.