New Delhi, April 3: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern regarding attacks on health facilities in Iran amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Israel. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to social media platform X to voice his dismay over reports of health centers in Tehran being targeted. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif shared the WHO chief’s statement.
Tedros wrote on X, “In recent days, there have been reports of multiple attacks on health centers in Tehran, the capital of Iran, amid rising conflict in the Middle East. The Pasteur Institute in Iran has suffered significant damage and is unable to continue providing health services. Established in 1920, this institution has been working in various fields of medical research for over a century and plays a crucial role in protecting and promoting people’s health during emergencies.”
He further noted that two of its departments have been active as centers working with the WHO. Additionally, on March 29, Delaram Sina Psychiatric Hospital was significantly damaged due to a strike, and on March 31, another attack impacted the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical facility, which produces medications for cancer and multiple sclerosis. There have been no reports of casualties in these incidents.
The WHO has confirmed over 20 attacks on health facilities in Iran since March 1, with at least nine fatalities reported, including a health worker from an infectious disease unit and a member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Attacks on health facilities have also been recorded outside Tehran. Notably, a blast occurred near Imam Ali Hospital in Andimeshk, Khuzestan province, on March 21, forcing the evacuation of the area and halting services.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “The fighting in Iran and the region is affecting the delivery of health services and the safety of health workers, patients, and the general public at health centers. Peace is the best medicine.”