How seeing a doctor works in Iran — direct access to specialists, fast diagnostics, the open-booking system, and a list of recommended physicians.
Healthcare in Iran is generally good, with no shortage of professional medical staff — some would even argue the facilities rival or surpass those in many Western countries. Doctors are readily available in Qum, practising in their own small offices or in larger clinics and hospitals.
A notable advantage is that you can consult a specialist (takhasusi doctor) directly, without a referral from a general practitioner (umumi doctor) — handy if you already know the kind of specialist you need. If you’re unsure, it’s best to see a GP first. Another advantage is prompt access to diagnostic tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasounds can usually be arranged within a day or two, often with results immediately afterwards. There is also a good availability of female doctors across almost all specialities, so sisters can discuss their health comfortably.
That said, despite the abundance of doctors, many students report difficulty finding a good one. Common criticisms include too little attention to patient care, insufficient examination, rushed diagnoses, minimal patient involvement in decisions, and little information about prescribed medication. Privacy can also be a concern — it’s not unusual for two or three other patients to be in the room during a consultation. Not all doctors are like this, which is exactly why the list below — of physicians known for their skill and care — has been compiled. For those comfortable in Farsi, extensive databases are available at nobat.ir and salamati24.com.
| Name | Speciality | Telephone | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Hussein Jahanbini | Dermatologist | 3293 1020 | 45 Metri Sadooqi, between Alley 9 and 13, beginning of Jahanbini Boulevard |
| Dr. Saeed Abdullahi | ENT | 3783 9217 | Dawr Shahr, Alley 10, Saakhteman Baharan |
| Dr. Muhammad Khalil Nawiy | General Practitioner | 3288 0188 | Yazdanshahr, corner of Alley 11 |
| Dr. Zahra Ashrafi | Gynaecologist | 3261 5959 | Muhammad Amin Boulevard, Alley 7, next to Saakhteman Fayz |
| Dr. Syed Ahmad Janabaan | Ophthalmologist | 3294 3454 | Saalariyah, Golzari Road, Golzari Complex, 3rd Floor |
| Dr. Hasan Meeladipoor | Orthopaedic specialist | 3293 9433 | Muhammad Amin Boulevard, Alley 5, Saakhteman Sidra |
| Dr. Zahra Muwahidi | Paediatrician | 3873 3063 | Niyayish Boulevard, above Dr. Kaviani Pharmacy |
| Dr. Syed Hasan Adeli | Pulmonary specialist | 3740 0981 | Dawr Shahr, Alley 31, Saakhteman Burj Safeed, 4th Floor |
The open-booking system. Unlike the timed-appointment system common in the West, Iran mostly uses open booking: you aren’t given a specific slot but are told to arrive within a time window and seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting times can run to several hours, and waiting rooms get crowded at peak times — so bring something to occupy you.
Doctors’ fees vary by service, but as a rough guide a GP consultation costs around $2–$3 and a specialist around $5.
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