Barriers and Strategies for the Participation of Iranian Non-Governmental Organizations in Health Policy-Making
Keywords:
health policymaking, participation, non-governmental organization, Health systemAbstract
Today, one of the effective and efficient means of delivering healthcare services and achieving the ultimate goals of health systems is the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the health sector and in health policy-making. The objective of this study was to identify the barriers and strategies for the participation of Iranian NGOs in health policy-making. This applied study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews as the primary data collection instrument. The study population consisted of managers and experts in the field of NGOs. Sampling was conducted using the maximum variation method, and a total of 17 individuals participated. A purposive sampling method was used to determine the sample size. The research findings revealed that the barriers to the participation of Iranian NGOs in health policy-making were categorized into four subcategories: legal and regulatory limitations on participation, cultural and knowledge-based barriers, administrative and structural constraints, and financial and economic challenges. These were further distilled into 16 specific concepts. Strategies to enhance the participation of Iranian NGOs in health policy-making were classified into four categories as well: legal and regulatory requirements, promotion of culture and positive attitudes, administrative structure reforms, and financial and economic support, comprising 19 concepts in total. It is anticipated that the dimensions of barriers and strategies identified in this study can contribute to the development and strengthening of more efficient and effective NGO engagement in the health policy-making process in Iran. Increased participation of NGOs in the health sector not only facilitates progress toward the ultimate goals of the health system but also plays a significant role in improving the health status of various segments of the population.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Shahla Fathi (Author); Hasan Givaryan; Mohammad Reza Rabiei Mandajin, Mina Jamshidi, Vahid Araei (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
