Iran’s state-run media has recently shed light on a concerning facet of inflation, particularly within the realm of healthcare and medical expenses. Reports indicate that inflation has soared to 80%, resulting in numerous individuals being compelled to forgo dental visits. The Etemad newspaper highlighted that over the past year, the inflation rate in the pharmaceutical market alone has reached a staggering 80%.
This report underscores the harsh reality that due to the scarcity and exorbitant costs of certain medications, many households find themselves practically unable to fulfill their medical needs. Specifically, it reveals that the medical expenses of low-income individuals have failed to keep pace with the inflation rate, leading to a significant portion of households refraining from dental care.
A breakdown of inflation statistics across pharmacy products further reveals alarming figures. In May 2023, inflation in the drug sector stood at 81%, while in cosmetics and hygiene it reached 45%, and in medical equipment, a staggering 90% increase compared to the previous year.
The inflationary pressures have also disrupted the pharmacy system, with reports from the Etemad newspaper indicating that 25 to 30% of pharmacies in Tehran are grappling with major issues. Consequently, it has been announced that 30% of pharmacies in Tehran are currently ‘in poor condition’, exacerbating the already challenging situation of drug shortages.
In a related development, an official from the Food and Drug Organization disclosed on February 11 that in December 2023, Iran experienced shortages in 99 essential items, with 31 items specifically affected by the lack of foreign exchange for imports.
Furthermore, the CEO of the Dystrophy Support Association revealed on December 16 the alarming trend of ‘many families’ being forced to seek asylum in countries offering free services to dystrophy patients due to the unavailability of essential medications.
The crisis of soaring prices and medication shortages has deepened over the past two years, as noted by Yahya Ebrahimi, a member of the Parliament’s Health and Medical Commission, who highlighted that over 300 types of medication were unavailable in pharmacies. Despite these stark realities, the government persists in portraying an overly optimistic picture, denying the severity of the situation.
Last year, Iran faced a critical shortage of essential drugs, including common medications such as cold remedies and antibiotics.
The regime and its media have frequently attributed healthcare and treatment challenges to international sanctions. However, it’s essential to note that medicines and medical supplies have never been subject to sanctions, enjoying exceptions for procurement and importation.
The primary obstacle in this domain lies in the regime’s reluctance to enhance financial transparency and amend laws to address concerns outlined by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force). Iran’s inclusion in the FATF blacklist, alongside North Korea, severely limits its access to international financial resources, as financial institutions hesitate to engage with Iranian entities due to perceived risks.
