Iran ceasefire: People still can’t access essential medical care

To meet the growing medical needs in Iran, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are expanding our operations in the capital, Tehran, while continuing to run most of our regular activities providing care to the most vulnerable groups. Before the war started, MSF ran regular activities in South Tehran, Mashhad, and Kerman province, focusing mainly on primary health care for marginalized people, such as Afghan refugees.

Clinic consultations have surged since the ceasefire 

At the height of the violence, intense bombing forced MSF to temporarily suspend activities at our clinic in South Tehran. The clinic has since reopened, and MSF has received authorization to run the facility as an advanced medical post with capacity to receive the wounded and stabilize patients in critical condition. We have also expanded our services to all Iranians. The number of consultations has doubled since the ceasefire, and the clinic now treats around 250 patients each day. 

“Primary health care is often among the first services to be disrupted during emergencies, yet it remains one of the most essential,” says Grigor Simonyan, MSF head of mission in Iran. “People still need treatment for common illnesses and for chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. And, especially after the trauma of war, many will need mental health support.”  

MSF plans to open a second clinic in South Tehran to further expand people’s access to primary health care services.

Reaching the most vulnerable communities

While MSF expands operations in South Tehran, we are still seeing large numbers of patients in our projects across the country. In the southeastern city of Kerman, our clinics have been receiving about 150 patients per day. MSF is one of the only medical organizations providing health care to the estimated 200,000 Afghan refugees living in the area, who face barriers to accessing health services.

In the northeast, near Iran’s border with Afghanistan, MSF teams in Mashhad are continuing to provide health care. In Golshahr district, where most Afghan refugees in Mashhad live, our clinic is receiving more than 160 patients each day.

In all locations across the country, our teams deliver a range of medical activities including sexual and reproductive health care, screening and treatment for infectious diseases like hepatitis C, mental health support, management of chronic illnesses, and referrals to specialized health facilities.

Iran’s health system continues to face extreme pressure 

As of April 15, the World Health Organization has verified 24 attacks on health care in Iran, putting further strain on the health system and humanitarian responders. While parts of Iran’s health system continue to function, providers have been under extreme pressure as strikes have hit hospitals, clinics, and ambulances.

“Iran also relies heavily on locally manufactured medicines, and pharmaceutical production has been severely disrupted as a direct result of this war,” says Simonyan. “We are seeing more and more people affected by a lack of access to essential medicines.”

In response, MSF has donated medicines and supplies that are being distributed and used by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, including kits for pediatric and trauma care. We have also donated essential relief items to bolster our support for displaced people, including blankets, pillows, and hygiene kits.

As the crisis approaches its third month, the medical needs continue to evolve. MSF remains ready to adapt and further scale up our response in collaboration with the authorities. 

“Civilians continue to bear the highest cost of this war,” says Simonyan. “Full respect and protection of medical facilities and health workers is critical to ensure people can access care whenever and wherever they need it.”