Member of the Health Commission: There are 12 million mentally ill patients in Iran

According to a member of the Health and Treatment Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, there are about 12 million patients with mental disorders in Iran. Ahmad Aryaie-Najad, a member of the Health Commission, stated on Saturday, June 2, in an interview with the House of Nation News Agency that there are only 40,000 psychiatric beds available in Iran for this number of patients. Mr. Aryaie-Najad expressed regret over the negligence of officials towards mental patients in Iran, saying, "The growing trend of mental illnesses in the country and the indifference of officials to their situation is very concerning." This parliament member noted that proper studies have not been conducted to investigate the reasons for mental disorders in Iran, stating, "Unfortunately, the reasons for these illnesses have not been examined in the country, and if any studies have been conducted, they have been very general." The Health Commission member also criticized the lack of specialized psychiatric hospitals in Iran, adding, "Given the increase in mental patients, the number of hospitals providing services to this group of patients is insufficient, and governments have not invested in building specialized psychiatric hospitals." According to Mr. Aryaie-Najad, some mental patients abandon their treatment due to insurance and economic problems. He further pointed out that the outbreak of war in Iran and the subsequent economic issues have led to other problems arising, stating, "As a result of these crises, it is clear that this society is prone to mental illnesses, and following the spread of mental disorders, various social harms will also increase." Based on the 12 million figure provided by this Health Commission member, about 15% of Iran's population suffers from mental disorders, while previously, the Deputy Minister of Health had reported a higher figure. Iraj Harirchi, Deputy Minister of Health, stated on May 14 in a press conference that "24 to 28% of the Iranian population" shows some symptoms of mental illnesses and requires intervention from health and treatment factors. In this regard, at the end of last year, the head of Kerman University of Medical Sciences announced that mental illnesses in Iran are 8% higher than the global average. Mr. Ali Akbar Haqdoost stated that 23.4% of the Iranian population is afflicted by these diseases, with women accounting for a higher percentage.