All public higher educational schools in Shiraz (medical and non-medical) were initially under the auspices of Shiraz University – former "Pahlavi University". In 1986 education of medical sciences in Iran was taken over by the "Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education" with the purpose of utilizing national medical resources more desirably in addition to promoting healthcare as well as medical teaching and research. Consequently, all medical faculties and centers continued their activities under the new affiliation; "Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS)". Non-medical programs, however, are still offered under the supervision of Shiraz University.