Iranian households are feeling the pinch as medication prices surge dramatically, a direct result of the United States’ ongoing sanctions and naval blockade. Families like the Rahmanis in Tehran have spent days searching pharmacies for four essential medicines for their 12‑year‑old daughter, only to find some items unavailable and others priced at triple their previous cost.
Sanctions choke the pharmaceutical supply chain
Iran produces more than 80% of its medicines domestically, but many rely on imported raw materials. Since the U.S. began blockading Iranian ports in June and imposed tougher sanctions, sea shipments have halted, forcing importers onto costly air routes. New sanctions on Iranian airlines have further limited these flights, driving up prices.
Reza Majdzadeh, a professor at the University of Essex, explained that while sanctions do not target medicines directly, financial restrictions cause banks and companies to refuse transactions for fear of violating U.S. rules. “A medicine may be perfectly legal to sell to Iran, but a bank may refuse to process the payment,” he said.
Prices skyrocket, wages lag
Consumers report price increases ranging from doubling to six‑fold. A Tehran resident noted that an anti‑inflammatory ointment rose from 750,000 rials (about $0.35) to 3.25 million rials (roughly $1.46) in three months, while the minimum daily wage for an unskilled worker is about 7.5 million rials ($3.50). Tablets needed for kidney dialysis have jumped nearly 350%.
Pharmacies also struggle with cash flow; insurance companies are reportedly up to nine months behind on payments, leaving pharmacies owed roughly $270 million, according to a member of the Tehran Pharmacies Association.
Impact on patients and care
Shortages of specialized psychiatric drugs have forced hospitals to rely more on electro‑convulsive therapy for conditions like bipolar disorder and acute psychosis. Families worry about delayed cancer treatments and missed flu vaccinations for vulnerable relatives.
Hadi Ahmadi of the Iranian Pharmacists Association said about 700,000 flu vaccine doses have been imported from China, with another half‑million expected, but the price per dose has nearly doubled to 22 million rials (about $9), though high‑risk patients are promised free shots.
Broader economic strain
The medicine price surge adds to already soaring food and goods costs, rising unemployment, and a currency that has lost half its value since the war with the United States and Israel began seven months ago. Over 40 pharmaceutical factories have reportedly been damaged by airstrikes, further hampering production.
While the Iranian government has not released exact figures on domestic drug output, officials acknowledge the combined effect of sanctions, disrupted shipping, and damaged facilities is hurting the sector.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
