Participation of Iranian non-governmental organizations in health policy-making; barriers and strategies for development. Issue 1 (1st March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khodayari-Zarnaq, Rahim; Kakemam, Edris; Arab-Zozani, Morteza; Rasouli, Jamal; Sokhanvar, Mobin
• Is Part Of: International journal of health governance. Volume 25:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2020-03-01
• Subjects: Emerging healthcare delivery structures -- Communication -- Qualitative research -- Health law or regulation -- Political strategy -- Anthropology or sociology; Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Outcome assessment (Medical care) -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Finance -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1108/IJHG-07-2019-0056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-4631

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The effectiveness of non-governmental organization (NGO) participation in the healthcare sector has been demonstrated globally. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of Iranian NGOs' contribution to health policy-making, the barriers to and strategies for developing their contribution. Design/methodology/approach: In this qualitative study, 25 participants were recruited from health-related NGOs in Tabriz, Iran. Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. Furthermore, a set of relevant documents were collected and their contents evaluated. The text of documents and interviews were analyzed using a thematic (deductive–inductive) approach using NVivo software. Findings: Most NGO activity has been in the area of providing services, whereas the least amount of activity has been in the domain of policy-making. Factors that were influential for NGO participation in policy-making were divided into three categories: those related to government, to civil society and within NGOs themselves. The primary barriers to participation in policy-making were related to government and the way that NGOs operated. Recommendations include the production of supportive law, financial aid to NGO and infrastructure that facilitates NGO participation. Practical implications: Financial support from the government and legislation of supportive laws could help to realize the potential of NGOs. Originality/value: No such research has been undertaken before to evaluate what activities health-related NGOs undertake, their contribution in health policy-making and obstacles and facilitators of this contribution. NGOs can play a key role in ensuring accountability, transparency and empower citizens to demand basic health services from government.