Challenges of Human Resource Allocation in the Health System

Delpasand, Kourosh

Volume 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics IJMEHM 2024, 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics : 1-4 | Back to browse issues page

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Delpasand K. Challenges of Human Resource Allocation in the Health System. IJMEHM 2024; 17 (S1) :1-4
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7033-en.html

Challenges of Human Resource Allocation in the Health System

Kourosh Delpasand ^*

Associate Professor, Department of Medical Ethics, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

Abstract: (765 Views)

All health systems face the dual challenge of resource shortages, which prevent them from providing all the services needed by society, while also striving to enhance justice in access to health services and care. The prioritization and allocation of resources are critical issues in the health sector, and ensuring fairness in these processes requires consideration of various criteria. This study aims to examine the methods of allocating human resources in the health sector and explain the challenges associated with allocating skilled human resources in the country. This qualitative study involved faculty members and individuals with a history of responsibility in the university. Data collection was conducted through interviews, which were arranged based on mutual agreement with participants. Interviews continued until saturation was reached, meaning they concluded when participants had no further information to provide and the interviewer had no additional questions aligned with the research objectives. The findings were categorized as follows:

Prioritization Issues: The prioritization of resources is often directed towards newly established departments and hospitals, and personnel are allocated to new branches to launch new fields. The definition of processes important to the Ministry of Health is based on specific provincial conditions, which may not be included in standard lists. Prioritization should, therefore, be determined based on relevant indicators and the performance of personnel.
Organizational Challenges: Organizational charts are outdated, and organizational structures are often unresponsive. Recruitment is based on obsolete charts, and there are discrepancies between created positions and the personnel recruited to fill them. Political influences, such as deception and hypocrisy, also complicate the allocation process.

Population Considerations: The floating population of each province must be considered in resource allocation. The periodic involvement of some individuals as companions and contract personnel in advisory roles alongside university presidents poses challenges. A gradual approach with well-defined management and realistic goals should be implemented over a five-year period.

Management and Decision-Making: Human resource managers in universities lack decision-making authority. A national team of managers, specialists, and experts should be formed to address human resources needs. Human resources should be identified based on the estimated needs of existing fields. It is also essential to establish efficiency measurement frameworks grounded in relationships, but the Ministry of Health lacks specific notifications regarding these matters. Efficiency should be measured based on personnel performance and appropriately defined indicators.
Emerging Challenges: The migration of specialists in various fields, combined with reluctance among doctors to pursue specialist-level studies in areas such as emergency medicine and pediatrics, further exacerbates human resource allocation challenges. Adding specialist experts and evaluating personnel before hiring are essential measures to address this issue. Additionally, consideration should be given to restructuring the Ministry of Health by dividing it into separate sub-units with distinct financial and management mechanisms.

This study identifies and extracts the criteria used for prioritizing and allocating resources within the health system. According to experts and policymakers in health and medical organizations, additional criteria should be considered beyond traditional metrics when prioritizing and allocating human resources.

Keywords: Resource allocation, Human resources, Justice, Health system

Full-Text [PDF 392 kb] (213 Downloads)

Type of Study: Oral Presentation | Subject: Health Ethics Congress (11th) - Oral Presentation
Received: 2025/08/5 | Revised: 2026/01/12 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/22