Abstract

The purpose of human resources planning in the health services system is to account for a sufficient number of efficient manpower in all the needed professions, who are appropriately distributed in terms of geographical, gender, and organizational parameters. Any inadequacies in such planning will lead to lack of coordination between supply and demand. Planning for psychiatrist manpower follows the same rule. The changes in social, cultural, and economic conditions, followed by an increase in the intensity of mental disorders more than ever before calls for extended implementation of mental health programs and careful attention to proper human resources planning, which plays a governing key role in the success of such programs. The purpose of this article is to examine the various aspects of human resources planning in Iran. In this regard, it presents an assessment of the present conditions of manpower in Iran, a critique of reviews implemented in this area, a survey of the number of psychiatrists and its ratio to the population as compared to other countries, and the significant factors affecting the need for psychiatrists. Finally, appropriate suggestions are provided with regard to the lack of an existing integrated planning system, and the lack or inadequacy of the data required for future policy making in the country’s mental health and treatment system.