TEHRAN Currently the social security scheme in Iran is lagging 50 years behind those of the developed world, head of the Social Security Organization of Iran (SSOI) Dr. Mohammad Sattarifar said here on Saturday.

Addressing a certificate-award ceremony to one of the branches of the organization in Tehran, Sattarifar said that even if all branches of the organization throughout the country receive such international-acclaimed certificates, there will still be a 50-year gap between the country's Social Security Organization and similar institutions in developed countries.

Referring to the historical backwardness of the country, the official said that the Iranian social security scheme has a long but achievable way of progress to fill the gap.

Stressing that his organization possesses 40 percent of the available statistics and data in the country, the official said that if the organization wishes to become a powerful center it should be directed toward disciplined use of data as well as promote the quality of its operations.

(IRNA)