June 10, 2025 – During the 26th Iran Health Exhibition, the country’s first dedicated health sector television program featured Dr. Mahmoud Najafi Arab, President of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture. This event highlighted the pivotal role of the Tehran Chamber in bridging the economy and healthcare sectors in Iran.

Dr. Najafi Arab underscored the Chamber’s longstanding history and well-structured organization, emphasizing its position as one of the oldest and most influential private sector institutions in the country. He described the Chamber as the “private sector parliament,” directly engaging with all branches of government to resolve barriers and advance economic development, particularly in the field of health.

With Tehran Province contributing 42% of the nation’s GDP, Dr. Najafi Arab described its unique capacities in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment production, and knowledge-based companies. The Chamber currently operates 11 specialized commissions, among which the Technology Commission and the Health Economy Commission are notable for addressing challenges and fostering collaboration in these sectors.

Drawing on more than four decades of experience in pharmaceuticals, Dr. Najafi Arab highlighted the Chamber’s special support for producers, especially health-focused knowledge-based firms. He stated that the Chamber aims to build consensus among health associations, facilitating progress by focusing on shared objectives and addressing regulatory and structural challenges.

Dr. Najafi Arab also advocated for the role of independent and modern media in increasing transparency, giving voice to the private sector, and enhancing competitiveness in health services. He suggested that platforms like Health Television can foster constructive criticism and service improvement, and expressed the Chamber’s full readiness to support such initiatives.

He concluded by noting Iran’s current self-sufficiency in many medical consumables and capital goods, emphasizing the need to leverage international agreements, such as those with Eurasia, to expand exports of Iranian medical equipment and achieve a positive trade balance in the health sector.