Reviewing the Status of the Ministry of Health's Public Health Policy on the Use of Smart Technologies for Monitoring and Controlling COVID-19

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Administration, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Public Administration, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity of redesigning public health policies and integrating smart technologies to enhance health systems’ capacity for infectious disease surveillance, prevention, and control. This study aims to assess the status of public health policies within the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education regarding the application of smart technologies for COVID-19 management and future health crises. The research is applied in purpose and employs a descriptive-survey methodology. The statistical population included experts in health policy, digital health, health information technology, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and health system management, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and validity and reliability were confirmed through expert assessment, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted indices. Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings validated a multidimensional framework comprising four dimensions: facilitating participation in disease control, managerial and organizational policy orientation, individual-oriented public health policies, and health technology policies. The results indicate that effective smart health governance requires the integration of technological, organizational, and social capabilities rather than merely developing digital infrastructure. Within this framework, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and immersive health environments are identified as enabling technologies that support predictive analytics, real-time decision-making, simulation-based policy development, and stakeholder collaboration. Therefore, strengthening digital health governance, ensuring secure data management, improving digital health literacy, and promoting participatory approaches are essential for developing resilient and adaptive health systems capable of managing future global health challenges.

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Volume 2, Issue 6
Spring 2026
Pages 38-54

  • Receive Date 02 March 2026
  • Revise Date 19 April 2026
  • Accept Date 24 May 2026