CNN: US sanctions and rising prices deepen Iran’s healthcare crisis

Iran’s healthcare system is coming under increasing pressure from US sanctions, high inflation and economic difficulties. A CNN analysis shows that shortages of medicines and rising prices are forcing some patients to reduce their doses, delay treatment or choose lower-cost alternatives.

Pharmacies in Tehran have reported shortages of several types of medication, alongside significant price increases. The difficulties involve medicines for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and migraines, as well as medication for other treatments.

High costs are forcing patients with serious illnesses to make difficult decisions, according to CNN. Some have sold household appliances, while others have turned to relatives abroad to obtain medicines that are unavailable in Iran.

Although Iran produces, by volume, more than 97% of the medicines it uses, the country has not achieved full self-sufficiency. Iranian pharmaceutical production continues to rely on imported materials, equipment and technologies, while some specialized medicines must be purchased from abroad.

Financing and importing these products have been made more difficult by US sanctions. Because of the risks associated with the punitive measures, many foreign banks and companies choose not to conduct transactions with Iran.

Another factor deepening the crisis is the unpaid debts of insurance companies. The Iranian Pharmacists Association says that more than 18,000 private pharmacies are awaiting payments, while the debt amounts to around 800 trillion rials. As a result, pharmacies have less capacity to replenish their stocks, causing problems throughout the supply chain, from importers and manufacturers to patients.

Iranian authorities say that US and Israeli airstrikes at the beginning of the year damaged more than 40 pharmaceutical companies, distributors and equipment suppliers. Among the sites hit was a factory producing ingredients for cancer medicines and anesthetics. The Pasteur Institute of Iran also suffered damage, including to laboratories important for monitoring and treating several diseases.

The US administration has further tightened measures against Iran, targeting financial and commercial networks used by Tehran to circumvent sanctions. In principle, the US allows trade in medicines and medical equipment with Iran, but increased scrutiny and financial procedures have led international banks and companies to act more cautiously.

Experts cited by CNN estimate that the supply of medicines is becoming increasingly difficult because of the combination of sanctions, foreign currency shortages, inflation, insurance debts and damage to infrastructure. For patients in Iran, the most direct impact is reflected in higher costs and uncertainty over whether they will be able to find the treatments they need.