THE IMPACT OF IRAN ISLAMIC REVOLUTION ON HEALTH PERSONNEL POLICY

This paper argues that human capital not only shares the same degree of mobility and international acceptability with physical capital, but is also sensitive to the political climate prevalent in the developing countries. In the wake of the revolutionary upheaval of 1978-79 in Iran, an estimated $80-120 billion was transferred from that country. The extent of the "brain drain", however, has never been estimated. This paper provides an estimate of the number of health personnel who left the country and examines the Iranian solution to the shortage. It is suggested that, stripped of rhetoric, this solution is consistent with the progressive programs and policies of the World Health Organization. © 1991.