Abdulmajid Rahmani, CEO of the Welfare, Services and Social Participation Organization of Tehran Municipality, discussed the actions taken to support patients and their companions in a program. One of the significant initiatives in this regard is the establishment of support centers, created to provide services to the companions of needy patients, especially those who come from other cities to Tehran for treatment.
Development of support centers in recent years
Urban management, private institutions, and charities have initiated this action in recent years, and recently, the pace of developing support centers has significantly increased. Currently, 11 patient support centers with a capacity of 520 people are providing services to the companions of patients in Tehran.
These support centers provide services to those in need with the help of social workers present in hospitals. After referring patient companions to the support centers, accommodation and meal services are provided completely free of charge. This referral system is designed to ensure that patient companions can easily and worry-free benefit from the services.
Future plans for expanding services
Rahmani further mentioned development plans, stating: “The increase in the number of support centers began last year, and now two support centers are under construction in districts 11 and 1. Additionally, the construction of two or three more support centers around Imam Khomeini Hospital, Children’s Medical Center, and Shariati Hospital in district 6 is also being pursued.”
Given the high number of medical centers in district 6, officials believe that increasing the number of support centers and accommodation capacity in this area can help provide better and more extensive services to patient companions. This action not only facilitates the situation for companions but also reduces their financial and psychological pressure.
Abdulmajid Rahmani concluded by stating that these actions are designed to create a safe and calm environment for patient companions so that they can support each other in these difficult conditions and assist in the treatment process of patients. With the support of benefactors and social institutions, it is hoped that these services will expand further in the near future.
