Iran Faces Severe Drug Shortages Amid Sanctions, War Damage

Iran is experiencing a critical shortage of approximately 800 types of medications, forcing thousands of patients to reduce dosages, postpone treatment, or opt for less effective alternatives. This crisis is attributed to a confluence of factors including U.S. sanctions, high inflation, funding issues, and damage to infrastructure from military strikes.

Pharmacies are also under pressure, with insurance companies reportedly owing them around $300 million. This debt hinders timely payments to suppliers and the maintenance of adequate drug stocks.

Despite producing over 97% of its medicines domestically by volume, Iran remains dependent on imported raw materials, equipment, and foreign currency. Sanctions complicate these essential imports, as banks and foreign suppliers often avoid transactions with Iranian firms due to payment difficulties and sanctions risks, even for non-sanctioned goods.

Further exacerbating the situation, Iranian officials state that over 40 pharmaceutical companies, suppliers, and distributors were damaged in U.S. and Israeli military strikes earlier this year. This adds to the existing strain on the nation's healthcare system.