Stem cell transplantation cost in Iran

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a critical therapy for blood disorders and cancers.
• The procedure replaces diseased cells with healthy stem cells to restore blood production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the total cost of stem cell transplantation (SCT) at Shariati Hospital in Tehran, Iran.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 143 SCT patients (August 2022 - March 2023).
• Activity-Based Costing (ABC) was used to allocate costs across operational units.
• Cost data were extracted from hospital financial records and analyzed in 2024.

Main Results:

• The average total cost per SCT patient was approximately $51,594 USD (2,166,904,089 IRR).
• Direct medical costs (49%) and overhead costs (51%) were significant, with human resources (physicians, nurses) being major components.
• Government subsidies covered over half of direct costs, with patient out-of-pocket payments and insurance also contributing.

Conclusions:

• Stem cell transplantation presents a significant financial burden on Iran's healthcare system.
• Policy interventions are crucial for optimizing resource allocation, standardizing costs, and enhancing patient financial protection and access to SCT.