Health Service Management – Varastegan Institute for medical sciences

Introduction to Health Services Management

When we visit hospitals or clinics and notice the cleanliness, timely services, professional staff behavior, and efficient facilities, we often credit good management. Health Services Management is a multidisciplinary and essential field focused on preparing competent managers to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of healthcare systems. This field aims to address challenges and optimize resources to improve public health and welfare.

History of the Field

First introduced in 1934 at the University of Chicago under the name “Hospital Management,” this program started in Iran in 1956. Over time, it evolved to include broader aspects of healthcare management, officially named “Health Services Management” in 1985. It remains a critical and in-demand field globally.

Importance of the Field

The healthcare system requires skilled professionals familiar with its structure, processes, and management principles. Health Services Management education aims to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles, enabling them to make effective decisions and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery.

Career Opportunities:

Government sectors: Ministry of Health, public hospitals, and healthcare networks.

Private sectors: Private hospitals, clinics, health tourism companies, and medical equipment firms.

Academic and research centers: Universities and research institutes.

Non-governmental organizations: Red Crescent Society, social security, and welfare organizations.

Skills Developed:

Graduates gain various skills, including:

Effective communication and leadership.
Systematic thinking and problem-solving.
Data analysis using SPSS and Excel.
Proficiency in health-related software (e.g., HIS).
Understanding hospital operations, accounting, and financial management.
Familiarity with insurance systems, risk management, and quality improvement in healthcare.

Graduate Studies Role of Graduates Affiliation

Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like Health Economics, Hospital Engineering, Disaster Management, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, and more.

Graduates are equipped for managerial, administrative, and research roles across various healthcare organizations. They contribute significantly to improving healthcare systems and services through their knowledge and practical training

Department of HMS, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.