Zanjan Governor, Dr. Sadeghi, emphasized the transcendent role of the health community beyond conventional therapeutic duties in both routine and crisis conditions, stating: “The health community serves as one of the primary pillars of public calm and resilience during crises. Recent experiences have unequivocally underscored the critical importance of preparedness and the proactive role of this sector.”

The Ceremony: Unity & Service

Speaking at the “Unity and Service” Celebration and Appreciation Ceremony for Health Community Servants of Zanjan Province, held on the morning of Saturday, September 5 (14 Shahrivar) at the Rouzbeh International Conference Center of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Governor Sadeghi paid tribute to the martyrs of the province and expressed his profound gratitude to the province’s physicians, nurses, faculty members, pharmacists, staff, and all health sector contributors.

He noted that the health sector possesses a cross-cutting, supra-organizational nature, with its services reaching the province’s population of approximately 1,150,000 residents.

Beyond Healthcare: A Symbol of Hope and Calm

Highlighting the sector’s significance, the Governor remarked: “The health community is not merely a provider of clinical services; for those seeking care amid illness, distress, and anxiety, it stands as a symbol of tranquility and hope. This very quality elevates its position within governance and public perception far beyond that of a conventional executive body.”

Crisis Response: A Story of Responsibility

Reflecting on the health community’s performance during recent crises, Dr. Sadeghi highlighted that during the recent imposed war, with all six counties of the province affected, the health sector’s Rapid Response Teams mobilized at various locations, delivering essential services. “This responsible and swift engagement is highly commendable,” he noted.

He further noted that the performance of the province’s medical emergency and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams was such that both units were designated as exemplary organizations at the Shahid Rajaee Festival evaluation, owing to the rapid deployment of Rapid Response Teams at impact sites and the timely provision of required services.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Sacrifice and Altruism

Addressing the health community’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor stated that many healthcare workers sacrificed their own health and that of their families, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others. “These actions represent invaluable manifestations of social responsibility and human altruism that must be documented and narrated for future generations,” he emphasized.

Documenting Crisis Experiences as Oral History

Stressing the necessity of documenting the health community’s crisis experiences, Dr. Sadeghi remarked that provincial media and journalists can play a pivotal role by interviewing healthcare workers—especially those lesser-known individuals who have been the source of great humanitarian efforts—thereby preserving these accounts as part of the province’s oral history.

“Unity and Service”: A Profound Message

Interpreting the title of the ceremony, the Governor stated: “Unity here signifies empathy and synergy among all pillars of the University of Medical Sciences, while service means transforming knowledge, expertise, and this very empathy into enhanced public health and improved quality of life for the people.”

ZUMS: A Key Scientific and Social Institution

Describing ZUMS as one of the province’s most important scientific, specialized, and social institutions, he emphasized that the University’s scientific capacity extends beyond clinical care**, he emphasized that the University’s scientific capacity extends beyond clinical care: “The University actively participates in provincial commissions and specialized governance assemblies, and its knowledge reservoir is utilized in provincial decision-making processes.”

Strengthening Health System Preparedness

Governor highlighted the necessity of:

• Strengthening hospital preparedness
• Ensuring strategic supply chains for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
• Developing supporting infrastructure
• Guaranteeing continuity of services
• Establishing strategic reserves for extended crisis periods

“Strategic needs of the health community must be accurately assessed and fulfilled to enhance the health system’s resilience and guarantee service continuity during prolonged crises,” he stated.

Health Equity as a Government Priority

Identifying the promotion of health equity and enhancing access to quality services in counties, rural areas, and underserved regions as major priorities, Dr. Sadeghi stated that this approach aligns with the policies of the Fourteenth Government (Government of National Accord) and must be pursued earnestly.

Digital Health & Productivity

The Governor identified productivity enhancement and the targeted use of modern technologies as another key priority, emphasizing:

• Development of e-Health services
• Data-driven healthcare delivery
• Cost and service-time reduction

Knowledge-Based Economy Integration

Stressing the importance of strengthening the link between ZUMS and the knowledge-byased economy, he called for creating a cohesive chain integrating the University’s scientific capacity, knowledge-based companies, technology firms, and the private sector—transforming knowledge and research into technology, and ultimately into public service.

Human Capital: The Health System’s Most Valuable Asset

Referring to human capital as the most valuable asset of the health system, the Governor stated: “Physicians, nurses, faculty members, researchers, and health sector staff constitute the invaluable capital of this system. Preserving motivation, enhancing professional dignity, utilizing their scientific and experiential capacity, and addressing the concerns of human resources must remain on the agenda.”

Closing Remarks

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Sadeghi emphasized the University’s strategic role in provincial development: “Provincial management regards ZUMS as an influential development institution, and health remains a critical and decisive subject in the province’s development agenda.”