June 11, 2025 – The 26th Iran Health Exhibition, held from June 8 to 11, 2025, in Tehran, became a competitive arena where domestic manufacturers showcased their advancements alongside cutting-edge global technologies. The event reflected both the ongoing challenges of securing medical supplies and foreign currency, and the surge of innovation in locally developed solutions—such as the launch of a national smart support dashboard and AI-based radiology systems—signaling a new era of export growth and self-sufficiency.

This year, over 500 domestic and 70 international companies participated, offering a unique platform for knowledge exchange, product launches, and international partnership. Notably, more than 70% of the domestic market’s medical equipment needs are now met by local production, according to industry officials. The unveiling of the smart support dashboard, providing real-time data for manufacturers, has streamlined licensing, quality control, and exports, while close cooperation with regulatory bodies has helped reduce bureaucratic barriers.

The exhibition also featured the first specialized seminar on artificial intelligence in radiology, where AI-powered systems for CT and MRI image analysis—capable of detecting lung lesions with over 95% accuracy in less than 30 seconds—demonstrated Iran’s rapid progress in medical technology. These innovations, developed with the support of local universities and technology associations, have accelerated the localization of advanced healthcare solutions.

A key theme throughout the event was the integration of biomedical engineering departments in hospitals, emphasizing the necessity for qualified biomedical engineers to manage, install, and evaluate medical equipment for safety and efficiency. Dedicated professional training programs are being developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science to strengthen this workforce.

One of the most popular showcases was a smart oxygen delivery system for hospitals managed by Tehran University of Medical Sciences, now operating 24/7 with real-time monitoring and remote management, a crucial advancement highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis.

Despite these achievements, industry experts pointed to ongoing challenges: securing funding for research and development, the need for international certifications like CE and FDA, and maintaining financial support for domestic manufacturing. Proposed solutions included expanding the national smart dashboard to cover international certification data, establishing preferential R&D credit lines, and forming a dedicated export task force involving the Iranian Syndicate of Medical Equipment Exporter, the Ministry of Industry, and the Trade Promotion Organization.

The exhibition’s export-focused pavilions reported that domestic manufacturers now supply over 90% of specialized hospital needs, with many products competitive in regional and European markets. More than 150 export contracts were signed during the event, notably with buyers from Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and several African countries.

Attendees included hospital managers seeking smart solutions to improve service quality and reduce costs, as well as researchers and students exploring new technologies and research opportunities. The 26th Iran Health Exhibition successfully advanced the mission of supporting domestic production, technology transfer, job creation, and export development, highlighting the maturity and dynamism of Iran’s healthcare industry.

With continued implementation of proposed strategies and investments in research and infrastructure, Iran is positioned to achieve greater self-sufficiency, enhance healthcare quality, and expand its presence in the global medical equipment market.