Drug Inflation Exceeds 80%, Dentistry No Longer a Priority

A Tehran-based newspaper published a report on the dimensions of inflation in the field of medicine and treatment, stating that drug inflation has reached 80% and half of the population has said goodbye to dentistry. The newspaper 'Etemad' in its issue today, Saturday, February 17, reported that in the past year, the inflation rate in the drug market has been 80%. The report emphasizes that due to the scarcity of certain medications and high prices, many households are practically unable to meet their pharmaceutical needs, and the 'Darouyar' plan has also failed. According to the report, the medical expenses of low-income individuals have not been able to keep pace with the inflation rate, leading many households to forget about visiting dentists. The breakdown of inflation statistics among pharmacy goods also shows that in May 2023, the inflation rate for drugs compared to May of the previous year was 81%, for cosmetics and hygiene it was 45%, and for medical equipment, it was 90%. Additionally, the resulting inflation has caused disruptions in the pharmacy system, with 25% to 30% of pharmacies in Tehran facing fundamental problems. Consequently, it has been reported that 30% of pharmacies in Tehran are 'not in good condition.' Alongside these issues, the crisis of drug shortages in Iran can also be mentioned. In this regard, a Food and Drug Organization official announced on Friday, January 12, that the number of drug shortages in Iran in December of this year was 99 items, stating that the reason for the shortage of 31 items was the lack of currency for imports. This announcement by Mohammad Peikampour comes while the CEO of the Association for the Support of Patients with 'Dystrophy' reported on December 16 that many families are forced to migrate and seek asylum in countries that provide free services to patients. The crisis of rising prices and drug shortages has intensified over the past two years, to the extent that Yahya Ebrahimi, a member of the Health and Treatment Commission of the Parliament, stated on Friday, October 27, to the 'Eghtesad 24' website that more than 300 items of medication are 'short in pharmacies,' but the government refuses to acknowledge this and constantly claims that 'everything is fine,' while the reality is otherwise. Last year, patients in Iran also faced a crisis in obtaining medications, to the point that common drugs, including cold medications and antibiotics, became scarce. The Islamic Republic government and official media in Iran have repeatedly attributed problems in the healthcare and treatment sectors to sanctions. However, contrary to this propaganda, medications and treatment items have not always been subject to the sanctions imposed against Iran and have had 'exceptions' for procurement and import. The main problem in this regard, which has practically caused limitations in currency exchanges, is the resistance of Islamic Republic officials regarding financial transparency and legal reforms to exit the 'FATF' blacklist. Being on this blacklist alongside North Korea has effectively limited the Islamic Republic's access to international financial resources, and financial institutions worldwide avoid cooperating with Iranian parties due to high risks. Media reactions to the ban on 'nail and eyelash extensions' for healthcare staff; the minister should address the issues of treatment and medication. The Iranian Scientific Association of Psychiatrists reported a shortage of 12 psychiatric medications. There is a shortage of the vital 'anticoagulant' medication in Zanjan. Commercialization has reached pharmacies; a hot fever in the northern city and the bankruptcy of old pharmacies. A shortage of 99 medications in Iran; a government official: currency for some medications has not been provided. Some families of 'Dush' patients gathered in front of the Ministry of Health.