Speaking at a one-day seminar at Rafsanjan Medical Sciences University in Kerman, Reza Malekzadeh added that although the life expectancy has increased by more than 22 years in the past 45 years, the figure is not adequate.
He put the average lifespan of Iranian men at 71.5 and women at 73 years. He attributed the rise in life expectancy to rendering medical, hygienic and treatment services, preventing infectious diseases, reduction in mortality rate in children aged between one and five years, and reduction of mortality rate of mothers.
Studies show that close to 35 percent of heart attacks pertain to those who are under the age of 50, of whom 10 percent are below 40, he said.
“If Rafsanjan Medical Sciences University wants to be a leading institute, it can establish non-communicable diseases research center with the support of the Health Ministry and use three percent of the university’s budget for conducting studies on diseases pertaining to liver and digestion as well as clinical and psychiatric diseases.”
Some 50 medical sciences universities are conducting research on diseases, he said, adding the research would last 50 years.
“Since this has been conducted in the northern province of Golestan, we will dispatch a team from Golestan to Rafsanjan.”
He said gastric cancer was prevalent in Golestan province. “We pursued treatment objectives by launching free treatment clinic, drawing the trust of the people, and consulting with Friday prayers leaders.”
Malekzadeh continued that since 80 percent of the country’s population live in villages, the medical studies are underway in 342 villages.
He said many people in Rafsanjan are involved in farming and horticulture. Since insecticides are sprayed in orchards, he said, many villagers are exposed to pesticides.
Therefore, research on pollutants and diseases can help people particularly those who live in villages, he added.
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Tehran, July 12, IRNA - The lifespan of Iranians can increase to 80 years through targeted hygienic measures and controlling non-communicable diseases, said deputy health minister for research affairs.
