GENEVA: WHO Chief Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Health Facilities in Iran
On Thursday, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted serious concerns regarding recent assaults on hospitals in Iran, noting that many healthcare facilities have been affected amidst ongoing unrest. This situation has led to numerous paramedics being injured.
In a post on social media platform X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his worries about reports detailing the impact of violence on healthcare workers and facilities, which have hindered their ability to provide essential medical care to those in need. He specifically mentioned that health workers have been attacked and that at least five doctors have been detained while attending to injured patients.
Tedros called for the immediate release of any detained healthcare personnel, emphasizing that those who provide medical care should never face intimidation.
Protests ignited in Iran in late December due to economic issues, but have since evolved into widespread demonstrations against the government, continuing strongly in recent weeks.
Human rights organizations have accused Iranian authorities of causing numerous deaths during a severe crackdown, all while an internet blackout hampers information flow. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 6,373 people have been killed and over 40,000 arrested. However, NGOs trying to monitor the situation warn that the actual numbers could be significantly higher due to the internet restrictions.
Limited details have emerged about the conditions in healthcare facilities, but Tedros confirmed that Khomeini Hospital in the city of Ilam was attacked earlier in January. He described scenes of violence both inside and around the hospital after they received injured individuals, noting that medical services and supplies were disrupted.
Moreover, he reported damage to several health facilities across Iran, including ten emergency posts, which resulted in injuries to over 50 paramedics and damage to more than 200 ambulances. Tear gas use has also been reported at Sina Hospital in Tehran, further straining the healthcare system.
The WHO chief stressed that it is crucial to protect health facilities and ensure they can operate without obstruction. He reiterated the importance of delivering care to those in need, especially in times of crisis, stating, “Healthcare should never be a target.”
