New Delhi, April 3: The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced its concern regarding attacks on health facilities in Iran amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Israel. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed disappointment on social media platform X over reports of health centers being targeted in Tehran. Iran’s 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 pivotal in various fields of medical research for over a century, playing a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting public health during emergencies.”
He further noted that two of its departments have been active as centers collaborating with the WHO. Additionally, on March 29, the Delaram Sina Psychiatric Hospital suffered considerable damage due to a strike, and another attack on March 31 impacted the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical facility, which produces medications for cancer and multiple sclerosis. Fortunately, 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, resulting in at least nine deaths, including that of a healthcare worker dealing with an infectious disease and a member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
The organization reported that attacks on health facilities have also been recorded outside Tehran. Notably, an explosion 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 ongoing conflict in Iran and the region is impacting the delivery of health services and the safety of health workers, patients, and the general public at health centers. Peace is the best medicine.”
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