Abstract
This article examines health inequality among vulnerable groups in society and the policies adopted by the government to reduce this inequality. The research aims to answer the question of how universal health coverage policies have influenced the allocation of resources, particularly to vulnerable groups such as women, children, and marginalized populations, in terms of implementing health equity policies. The hypothesis of this study is based on the premise that sociological and political factors in the allocation of resources for health transformation in Iran are primarily influenced by existing inequalities in healthcare and the demand for social justice in this area. Findings indicate that attention to vulnerable groups has consistently been a priority in the macro health policies of the Islamic Republic from the beginning, leading decision-makers to allocate resources to address these inequalities and focus on these vulnerable populations. The research concludes that despite some reductions in inequalities, the health sector still requires the establishment and expansion of key elements for implementing social justice, including universal health insurance, shifting from employer-based to government-based insurance coverage, remote healthcare, such as telemedicine and digital health, and a paradigm shift from the volume of healthcare services to the value of healthcare services. This article employs a qualitative, descriptive-analytical method, with data collected through literature reviews and document analysis.
Keywords: Social Justice, Equality, Human Rights, Government-Based Insurance, Digital Health.
 
Introduction
In recent years, achieving equality and addressing existing inequalities in the health system, especially among vulnerable groups, has become a significant concern for policymakers and health experts. The government has implemented various policies and initiatives to address these issues within the framework of the Health System Transformation Plan. However, it is important to recognize that health and its inequalities are closely linked to various social, economic, and political factors, including income level, education, occupation, and access to healthcare services. This study aims to analyze the impact of health inequalities on vulnerable groups, including women, children, and marginalized populations, by examining macro-level policies aimed at addressing these issues and assessing their effectiveness in reducing health inequalities and promoting social justice in health. The central question is: What role does universal health coverage play in shaping the allocation of healthcare resources in Iran, particularly concerning vulnerable groups such as women, children, and residents of impoverished areas? The hypothesis of this article is based on recognizing the right to health for all individuals in society. Accordingly, the government has an obligation to ensure this right comprehensively. The government's responsibility should be directed towards achieving social justice, particularly health equity. This article reviews government policies regarding vulnerable groups, identifies existing challenges, and examines the necessity of implementing new policies.
 
Materials and methods
The research method in this article is qualitative-descriptive, focusing on analyzing inequalities among vulnerable groups in society through a review of literature, studies, and published reports to examine the impact of government policies on addressing inequalities in health based on available data.
 
Discussions and Results
The analysis of health inequalities among vulnerable populations in Iran reveals significant differences among various social and demographic factors, such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. These inequalities highlight the need for targeted government policies to address the unique healthcare needs of these groups and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services. This article examines three groups based on age, gender, and social status: infants, children, adolescents, and the elderly as the first group; women as the second group; and populations residing in impoverished and marginalized areas as the third group. Statistics and recent research confirm that these vulnerable groups still face challenges, such as limited resources, discrimination, and a lack of well-planned and principled policymaking. Nevertheless, the examination of macro-level policies since the revolution underscores that the status of these groups, particularly the implementation of social justice for them, has been a key focus and concern. It has also contributed to improving their situation and advancing justice to some extent. The findings suggest that reducing health inequalities in Iran, alongside other government initiatives, has achieved successes, particularly through a focus on universal health coverage and improving healthcare infrastructure in impoverished areas. However, further efforts are needed to achieve health equity in Iran, emphasizing the prioritization of the needs of vulnerable populations.
 
Conclusion
The research confirms that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken significant steps to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens to access optimal health and well-being. However, the existence of inequalities in the health system necessitates the establishment of additional key elements, which are categorized into three areas in this article: universal health insurance and the transition from employer-based insurance to government-based coverage; remote healthcare, including telemedicine and digital health; and the paradigm shift from the volume of healthcare services to the value of healthcare services.