Pains and Gains from Iran’s Experience with the Management of Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: COVID-19, a rapidly spreading virus, has severely challenged all countries worldwide with no certain prevention and treatment so far. Various clinical and public health interventions have been in action since its first report in December 2019. Sharing the lessons learnt and strengths and weaknesses might cast some light on the future similar crisis management. Methods: : This was a qualitative exploratory research including 22 semi-structured, face-to-face, virtual interviews with key informants and decision makers in the management of current epidemic. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The lessons learnt from and the weaknesses and challenges of COVID crisis management were categorized under the main areas of management and planning, workforce and education and research, decision making and communication. Conclusions: The current unprecedented crisis has affected various aspects of human life. Policy makers and managers, especially in health care, worldwide are struggling to abate the consequences of this nasty virus, though facing tough challenges. Here some hands-on and real-time experiences from the fight of a developing and highly affected country against this virus is provided which might be of a high value. Whatever approach adopted, it is key to be multifaceted and support all rightly mentioned aspects of health as physical, mental and social.