WHO DG reacts to report of assault on health workers in Iran

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has reacted to multiple reports of health personnel and medical facilities in Iran being impacted by the country recent unrest.

Ghebreyesus who was deeply concerned by this report on X disclosed that in the recent days, there have been reports of health workers assaulted, and at least five doctors detained, while treating injured patients.

While calling for the release of any health worker in detention, the DG stated that healthcare personnel should never face intimidation, revealing that the WHO has confirmed that the Khomeini Hospital, in the western city of Ilam, came under attack earlier in January.

Ghebreyesus who further disclosed that violence was reported inside and around this hospital facility following the transfer of injured people to there, said medical services and supplies were disrupted and affected.

According to him, “We have also confirmed that multiple health facilities were damaged across Iran in recent weeks.

“Which includes 10 prehospital emergency posts, where more than 50 paramedics were injured and over 200 ambulances damaged. Tear gas was also reportedly used at Sina Hospital in Tehran.
The recent crisis, according to reports, has strained the health system. It is imperative that health facilities are protected and be able to deliver their critical health services in an unimpeded manner.

This is fundamental to the provision of health care required by all people who need services, especially during times of crisis. Healthcare should never be a target”, WHO Director-General concluded.

Protests broke out in Iran in late December over economic grievances, but turned into a mass movement against the Islamic Republic, with huge street demonstrations for several days earlier this month.
Rights groups have accused authorities of killing thousands in an unprecedented crackdown under the cover of an internet shutdown, while Iranian authorities say violence was caused by “rioters” spurred by the United States and Israel.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has said it has confirmed that 6,373 people have been killed, the toll is estimated to be much higher, and more than 40,000 people have been arrested.

But NGOs tracking the toll of the crackdown have said their work has been impeded by the internet shutdown, warning that the actual toll is likely to be far higher than the confirmed figures.