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Introduction: The health system as the main custodian of health in Iran has a history of nearly a century and during this period has witnessed many changes to the current form and structure. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the formation and evolution of the health system and the policy-making process in it with an interdisciplinary perspective. 
Method: The research has been conducted in a historical way and historical texts about the health system and its sub-sectors including health care and education have been reviewed and analyzed with an institutionalist approach.
Findings: The government, civil society, private sector, family and international institutions have been the main agents of health policy in Iran from the beginning until now, which in the context of situational, structural, cultural and external factors have directed the health system and its developments in Iran. They have been effective.
Discussion: Although the government has been the main agent of health policy in Iran from the beginning, but many institutional factors have been effective on its efficiency and performance in the field of health, and this institution needs more serious attention to community elements to formulate health policies and pave the way for social justice. Civility and the characteristics of families and leaving matters to the private sector, and in this way interaction with international institutions and the use of their experiences, especially in the field of health is of particular importance.

Keywords: health system, institutional approach, institutional context, social policy

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