Solidarity of Medical Groups Outside Iran; Dr. Basirnia: We Set Aside Political Beliefs to Help Our Countrymen

A number of groups composed of Iranian doctors and specialists abroad, formed during the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests to support healthcare workers in Iran and provide free consultations to victims, have recently established the 'Aida Health Groups' in memory of Dr. Aida Rostami. Dr. Rostami was a physician who provided aid to injured protesters. After being identified by government agents, she disappeared, and her body was returned to her family with her eyes removed and signs of torture on her body. The aim of the 'Aida Health Groups' is to involve Iranian specialists in healthcare, organize seminars and webinars, sign petitions, and consult with international organizations to document human rights violations in Iran. The Kian Foundation, Mahsa Medical, the International Association of Physicians and Healthcare Workers of Iran (AIFA), the 'Women, Life, Freedom' group at UCSF, the 'Parsimed' group in Germany and France, the Freedom for Europe group, the Iranian-Canadian healthcare workers group, the Iranian-Canadian Physicians for Human Rights group, the 'Women, Life, Freedom' group in Melbourne, and the Alliance of Healthcare Workers for Iran in Australia collaborate under the umbrella of the 'Aida Health Groups'. Dr. Anahita Basirnia from the Kian Foundation told VOA that these groups have set aside their political beliefs and affiliations to focus on promoting health, helping those in need, and seeking justice for human rights violations. She added, 'The Aida Health Groups operate completely democratically with the consensus of all members, and they participate in joint activities while maintaining their independence.' The Kian Foundation is a humanitarian organization made up of about 50 specialists including doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, and other professionals who work voluntarily. The Kian Foundation was established with the onset of recent nationwide protests in Iran and has produced over 140 educational materials since its inception. In the healthcare sector, the Kian system answers medical and psychiatric questions daily for those who were harmed during the suppression of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. Dr. Basirnia told VOA that about 80% of the consultations at this foundation are related to mental health issues, of which 27% had been detained and 16% reported being tortured in prison. The Kian Foundation also holds free remote psychotherapy sessions focused on trauma and crisis management for interested individuals. Dr. Basirnia states that the activities of the Kian Foundation will continue next year. The foundation also plans to conduct training courses for specialists. Dr. Anahita Basirnia says these courses will include 'training for treating physical trauma outside of hospitals and trauma-focused psychotherapy courses for psychotherapists,' all of which will be offered for free. On Doctor's Day in Iran, there is a remembrance of the healthcare workers killed during the nationwide protests of 2022. Claims by a special physician to Khamenei: The 'Lancet' article about Mahsa Amini is 'an insult to the healthcare staff.' The crisis of doctor shortages in Iran; Raisi tells migrant doctors: There is an opportunity for a 'dignified job.' Protests from mental health workers against the Islamic Republic's rulings; psychotherapy does not change beliefs. Anniversary of Mahsa; continuation of free and confidential services from 'Mahsa Medical.'