City Council Member Expresses Concern Over 'Population Density' in Tehran's Shelters

The head of the Health Commission in Tehran's City Council has described the 'population density' in the city's shelters as 'worrisome' and criticized the 'confusion' of patients' companions from rural areas in the streets, calling for their temporary accommodation in 'unused' municipal buildings. According to a report on Thursday, December 2, by the Iranian Labor News Agency, ILNA, Rahmatollah Hafezi also described the services provided in Tehran's shelters as 'acceptable' provided they adhere to standard capacity. However, he stated that since 'standards are definitely not met during the cold season and the overcrowding is concerning, the necessary space for this time of year must be anticipated.' The head of the Health Commission noted that most residents of the shelters are addicts and emphasized the need for establishing 'consumption rooms' in them, arguing that according to 'the law, an addict is not a criminal but a patient, and necessary provisions must be made for them.' The addiction news site, Edna, reported in 2015 that 11 shelters were operating in Tehran to collect and house the city's addicts. Shahram Gilabadi, head of the Strategic Communications and International Affairs Center of Tehran Municipality, stated that the main goal of establishing these shelters is to 'organize addicts' in the city, adding that 'food, warm clothing, and hygiene supplies are distributed among the addicts, and their medical issues are addressed.' Abdol-Maqim Nasihi, head of the Social and Cultural Commission of the Tehran City Council, also announced the establishment of seven temporary shelters in addition to the 11 mentioned during the cold season in Tehran. He stated that the cost of maintaining a 'homeless and helpless' individual from night to morning, including dinner, breakfast, and clothing in these shelters, is estimated at 50,000 to 60,000 tomans. However, it seems that due to the increasing number of addicts and homeless individuals in Tehran, these shelters are no longer sufficient to meet their needs. Rahmatollah Hafezi, in an interview with ILNA, also expressed dissatisfaction with the 'confusion of companions of patients from rural areas in the streets of Tehran.' He said, 'It would be better for these companions to be temporarily accommodated in unused municipal buildings that exist in all areas.' Hafezi referred to a promise made by Tehran Municipality two years ago regarding the establishment of 'patient companions' houses,' adding that he has no information on whether these buildings have been initiated, and the 'stay' of companions of patients from rural areas in the streets indicates that even if these centers are constructed, the created capacity will not meet the needs.' Municipal officials in Tehran had announced when the first shelters were established that 'mental patients, individuals with physical and mental disabilities, addicts, individuals without families or guardians, and seasonal workers coming to Tehran' could use these facilities.