Objectives: The aim of this article is to describe the diffusion of magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) in Iran, including regional variations during the period of 1990 to 2005 and
international comparisons.
Methods: Data on the diffusion of MRI were obtained from the Medical Equipment Office
of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and, using self-administered questionnaires, from
forty-one universities specializing in medical sciences. Data were gathered from the year
of first purchase up to mid-2005. Information for international comparisons was obtained
from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development health data of 2006.
Results: Iran purchased its first MRI unit in 1990. Since then, the number of MRI units
has increased remarkably. The diffusion curve of MRI in Iran follows an S-shaped curve
with a very slow speed in the period of 1991–95. Accelerated adoption occurred later
coinciding with a significant influence from the private sector, especially from 1999. Iran
had ninety-three MRI units in 2005, and the number of MRI units per million in the
population was 1.36.
Conclusions: The number of MRI units in provinces is not in direct proportion to the
number of their inhabitants. Rational adoption and equitable diffusion of MRI may require
the MOH and regulatory bodies to improve their ability in health technology assessment
and integrate it into the policy making regarding adoption, diffusion, and utilization of
health technologies.