Trump’s sanctions, inflation and a collapsing economy leaves Iran’s sick exposed

Amid US sanctions crippling Iran's economy, ailing Iranians are facing daunting challenges in accessing the medications they need to survive. Sima, a 35-year-old resident of Tehran, describes her desperation as she searches for her kidney medication on the seventh pharmacy she visits, only to find the price has skyrocketed, forcing her to underdose.

In a desperate attempt to procure vital drugs, cancer patients are selling personal belongings and resorting to using substandard medications. The situation is dire, with pharmacies reporting shortages across a wide range of essential medications, from heart drugs to antidepressants and insulin. The Iranian Pharmacists Association reports that nearly 800 medications are currently out of stock due to rising prices and the inability of pharmacies to obtain alternatives.

The head of Iran's Food and Drug Organization admits that Iran now manufactures most of its medicines domestically, but this self-sufficiency is far from complete. The country still relies on importing essential materials, equipment, and technology for local production, leaving vital specialty drugs in short supply. This complex web of inflation, insurance payment failure, and a crippled oil export industry has left Iran's most vulnerable citizens grappling with a collapsing economy and an exposed sick.