Health Ministry Rejects 'Medical Negligence' in Treatment of Hashemi Shahroudi

The Iranian Ministry of Health has rejected claims of 'medical negligence' in the treatment of Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, head of the Expediency Discernment Council, calling reports on the matter 'malicious.' This reaction comes after news emerged about the removal of his left kidney due to a 'misdiagnosis' and 'pressure' to continue treatment for this reason in Germany. On Thursday, January 18, Tasnim News Agency quoted Iraj Harirchi, the Ministry's spokesperson, stating that 'the claim of medical negligence regarding the treatment of a political figure published on social media is irresponsible and false.' Harirchi, without directly naming Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, denied any 'shortcomings' in his treatment process, adding that 'we have been aware of the details of this political figure's treatment from the beginning, and actions and recommendations have been entirely scientific and in accordance with the latest global advancements.' The Deputy Minister of Health further stated that 'compliance with medical advice is at the discretion of patients, and if patients do not accept treatment recommendations or delay following medical orders, it does not normally hold the physician or medical team responsible.' He did not provide further explanation on which medical advice Shahroudi may not have followed but asked 'the associates' of the Expediency Council head to inform the public about the treatment process to clear up misunderstandings. Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi recently spent several weeks in Hanover, Germany, for what was announced as 'completion of treatment,' and upon returning from Germany, he stated that German doctors discovered a new infection during treatment that had not been diagnosed in Iran. He also mentioned that he underwent surgery three times in Iran, but German doctors deemed the third surgery unnecessary. While it was reported that Shahroudi traveled to Germany against his will and on the strong recommendation of his treating physicians, he claimed that the reason for his medical trip to Germany was 'disagreement among domestic doctors.' On Thursday, the Director General of Public Relations at the Ministry of Health also referred to reports of 'medical error' by Shahroudi's treating physician in Iran as 'malicious and rumor.' Abbas Zare'nejad stated in an interview with Iran newspaper that 'firstly, these statements are speculation and malice, and secondly, even if negligence or error occurred, the treating physician and medical team should be accountable.' Zare'nejad added that the medical team was chosen by 'himself' and 'the patient's file is with the medical team, and legally the treating physician and the disciplinary board of the Medical System Organization should comment on this matter.' Shahroudi's trip to Hanover faced widespread protests from opponents of the Islamic Republic in Germany. In addition to several Iranians residing in Germany, Volker Beck, a German politician, also called on judicial authorities to prosecute the former head of Iran's judiciary for human rights violations. Protesters claimed that Shahroudi bore direct responsibility for endorsing the execution of hundreds in Iran, including several children. During Shahroudi's stay at the Hanover Neurosurgery Institute, demonstrations were held outside the hospital. Although Shahroudi himself stated that he had a 'brief and quiet' trip to Germany, the uproar following the release of a photo of him with Professor Majid Samii, head of the Hanover Neurosurgery Institute, became so intense that he was forced to leave Germany early. However, according to ISNA, he 'appreciated the cooperation and coordination of the German government and police regarding the movements of royalist and opposition elements.' In addition to criticisms regarding his role in executions in Iran, several social media users criticized his hospitalization in a private hospital abroad. Meanwhile, Shahroudi stated that 'we insisted that the treatment protocol be written faster so that the continuation of treatment could take place in Iran.' Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, when he took over the judiciary, severely criticized the institution, stating that he inherited a 'ruin.' He has not yet reacted to the allegations made against him. Shahroudi was born in Najaf, Iraq, and is currently 69 years old. After the 1979 revolution, he moved from Najaf to Iran and fought against Saddam Hussein's regime by establishing the 'Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.' He, who was appointed as head of the Expediency Discernment Council a few months after the death of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, is mentioned as a potential successor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.