It is Time to Change the provision of primary health care for refugees: a policy brief

Abstract The large refugee population in Iran presents the health system and the host population with various challenges, the most important of which is the incidence and spread of emerging and re-emerging diseases, which in addition to the high economic burden, can create serious challenges for the health of the host population. In this qualitative study, which aimed to identify the best options and policy recommendations for providing primary health care to refugees, it is better to first formulate minor reforms in the provision of primary health care for this group of people, because effective and efficient minor reforms can reduce a large number of challenges arising from the presence of refugees. Providing primary health care and separating refugee settlements from the host population are two policy options that primary health care providers with experience working in high-density refugee settings consider vital to implement. Implementing each of these policies will lead to a reduction in diseases, especially infectious diseases, and social harms.