Masoud Dara, MD., MsGH, PhD.

I am deeply concerned by multiple reports of health personnel and medical facilities in Iran being impacted by the recent insecurity, and prevented from delivering their essential services to people requiring care. In recent days, there have been reports of health workers assaulted, and at least five doctors detained, while treating injured patients. I call for the release of any health worker in detention. Healthcare personnel should never face intimidation. @WHO has confirmed that the Khomeini Hospital, in the western city of Ilam, came under attack earlier in January. Violence was reported inside and around the facility following the transfer of injured people to the hospital. Medical services and supplies were disrupted and affected. We have also confirmed that multiple health facilities were damaged across Iran in recent weeks, including 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.