{
  "id": 10853868,
  "title": "Iranians face soaring prices for medicine as the US blockade and sanctions hit hard",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/iranians-face-soaring-prices-for-medicine-as-the-us-blockade-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T04:15:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/2026/09/29/iranians-face-soaring-prices-for-medicine-as-the-us-blockade-and-sanctions-hit-hard"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Medication prices in Iran are skyrocketing as a U.S. blockade and heightened sanctions cripple the country's pharmaceutical industry, leaving patients and families struggling to afford essential treatments. The annual payment for a one-year medication subscription has risen to $233.00 + GST, a 10% discount from the regular price of $259.35. Iran's pharmaceuticals industry heavily relies on imports, with many products depending on foreign raw materials. However, the American naval blockade has disrupted shipping, forcing medical importers to resort to more expensive air routes. The sanctions on Iranian airlines have further limited international flights, complicating the supply chain. Although Iran produces over 80% of its medicines domestically, over 40 pharmaceutical factories have been damaged or destroyed in airstrikes, impacting cancer treatment production. Cash-strapped pharmacies often struggle to maintain adequate stock, and insurance companies are lagging behind by up to nine months in payments to pharmacies for drug coverage. The overall economic situation in Iran has worsened, with soaring food and other goods prices, rising unemployment, and a currency that has plummeted to half its value. Despite the challenges, there have been no major medicine shortages reported at hospitals, but pharmacies are experiencing difficulties in meeting patient demands.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "U.S. blockade and sanctions cripple Iran's pharmaceutical industry",
    "Medication prices soar to $233.00 + GST, a 10% discount from regular price",
    "Over 40 pharmaceutical factories damaged in airstrikes"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The US blockade and sanctions are exacerbating Iran's economic woes by driving up medicine prices, straining pharmacies and insurance companies, and ultimately burdening patients and families with unaffordable treatment costs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}