Concerns Raised Over Resident Suicides and Criticism of Health Ministry for Keeping Statistics Confidential

The head of the Iranian Psychiatric Association expressed concern over the high suicide rates among medical residents in the country and criticized the Ministry of Health for keeping accurate statistics confidential. Vahid Shari'at, in an interview with the IRNA news agency published on Sunday, reported that at least 16 residents or medical assistants have committed suicide resulting in death across the country in the past year, citing statistics from the Medical System Organization. He stated that the Ministry of Health has more precise statistics that it does not disclose and added, "A significant issue in the country is that whenever a problem arises, the statistics are kept confidential or quickly denied before anything else is done." Simultaneously, Mahmoud Fazel, head of the Supreme Medical Council, also deemed the suicide statistics of medical residents in the country as "worrisome" and announced the formation of a committee within the Medical System Organization to investigate this issue. He explained that medical residents face two major problems: one is the extremely minimal living and welfare conditions, and the other is the excessive workload and violence they encounter in hospitals. Earlier, in late January, Iranian media reported a fivefold increase in the suicide rate within the medical community, stating that at least 13 suicides resulting in death occur annually among residents. According to Nima Shahryarpoor, an emergency medicine specialist at Baharloo Hospital, resident suicides have reached a "crisis" level, with an average of 13 suicides resulting in death occurring annually among their total population of 14,000. He referred to a study by the Tehran University Medical Association, indicating that in a resident community of 204 individuals, over 93% of them, or 188 individuals, experienced "burnout" and contemplated suicide. The economic and social conditions of healthcare personnel under the Islamic Republic of Iran's governance are such that, according to "Migration Observatory" statistics, about 74% of doctors and nurses expressed a desire to emigrate from the country by the summer of 2022. Media reports indicate an increase in requests for immigration documents from doctors; the Ministry of Health is seeking to accept "foreign nationals" in subspecialty fields. The Health Minister has taken on a school supervisor role; "eyelash and nail extensions" are prohibited for healthcare personnel. Iranian media reported a fivefold increase in the suicide rate within the medical community, signaling alarm for healthcare personnel; 16 medical assistants have committed suicide in 10 months. The Ministry of Health issued a directive for residents; continuing education is conditional on collateral. The former head of Tehran University of Medical Sciences stated that "800 seats" in the residency exam remain vacant.