WHO CHIEF WARNS HEALTH FACILITIES IN IRAN AFFECTED BY CONFLICT AFTER HOSPITALS DAMAGED

ISTANBUL, March 4 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Health facilities and medical staff are being affected amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, the head of the World Health Organisation warned after several hospitals and emergency centres were reportedly damaged, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday that blasts near Motahari Hospital in the Iranian capital Tehran damaged parts of the facility and forced the evacuation of patients and health workers on March 1.

“Health facilities, staff and patients are being affected amid the ongoing conflict in Iran,” Tedros said on the United States (US) social media company X.

He added that two medical emergency centres in the cities of Sarab and Hamedan also sustained damage, with at least two medical staff reportedly injured.

Tedros stressed that hospitals and clinics are particularly vital during crises and must be protected from the effects of armed conflict.

“During times of crisis, hospitals and clinics are needed more than ever,” he said. “This is why it is imperative to ensure their protection at all times.”

The WHO chief also urged all parties involved in the fighting to safeguard health workers and medical facilities.

“I again urge all parties to prevent health facilities, workers and patients from becoming casualties of the conflict,” he said.

Tensions have escalated across the region since the US and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Saturday, which have since killed nearly 800 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.

Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries, which are home to US military assets.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU