Why it matters:
Iran's development of advanced medical devices signals a move towards health technology independence. Sanctions-limited access to foreign equipment has spurred cost-effective, domestically produced alternatives, bolstering national healthcare and export opportunities.
What he's saying:
Mostafa Abdolghaffar, the company's staff, stated that the system aids surgeons during complex operations by integrating imaging data to target surgical sites with high precision. "It significantly reduces the risk of damage to surrounding tissue and enhances the accuracy of delicate surgeries such as brain, spine, and facial operations," he explained.
He noted that while similar devices were previously imported from Germany and the United States, sanctions on key components—especially cameras—forced Iranian firms to innovate locally. “We began R&D in 2007, and by 2012, we launched our first certified products, receiving CE and ISO approvals,” he said.
What they're saying:
According to company officials, the system matches the performance and precision of foreign counterparts but is priced at less than half— and in some configurations, as low as one-third—of imported models. It has already been used in over 10,000 successful surgeries, demonstrating equal efficacy in hospitals that use both Iranian and international systems.
Despite these achievements, the company faces significant challenges in sourcing specialized components and conducting international financial transactions due to sanctions. Nevertheless, the device has successfully reached markets in Ecuador, Germany, and Russia, and the company is actively pursuing expansion into neighboring countries.
Key points:
- The Iranian firm has successfully developed a high-precision surgical navigation system locally, filling the gap left by restricted imports due to international sanctions.
- The system matches the quality and precision of Western counterparts but is offered at less than half the cost, making it a viable option for both domestic use and international export.
- Showcased at Iran Health 2025, the device represents Iran’s broader push toward self-reliance in medical technology, backed by academic partnerships and government-supported innovation platforms.
Go deeper:
The 26th Iran Health International Exhibition—Iran Health 1404—officially opened on June 8, 2025, at Tehran International Permanent Fairground. Running until June 11, it serves as the country’s largest health sector event, bringing together over 580 domestic and international companies across 11 halls, covering a total of 38,000 square meters.
Jointly supported by Iran’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry, the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, and Pardis Technology Park, the event has become a central platform for showcasing the latest innovations in medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and laboratory technologies.
ahmad shirzadian
