Attacks on hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and medical research centres in Iran have raised serious international concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming multiple incidents and warning of a worsening humanitarian situation as the conflict intensifies.
Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, the human toll has continued to climb. According to Iran’s foreign ministry, at least 2,076 people have been killed and over 26,500 injured.
WHO Verifies Multiple Attacks on Healthcare Facilities
The WHO said it has verified more than 20 attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Iran since March 1. These strikes have resulted in at least nine deaths, including a specialist in infectious diseases and a member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the ongoing conflict is severely disrupting essential medical services and endangering both healthcare workers and civilians.
“The situation is impacting the delivery of health services and the safety of health workers, patients, and civilians,” he said.
Pasteur Institute Strike Draws Global Attention
One of the most high-profile incidents occurred when the Pasteur Institute of Iran — among the oldest and most respected public health institutions in the Middle East — was reportedly targeted.
Founded in 1920, the institute plays a key role in vaccine production, including for diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B and measles. It also maintains longstanding collaborations with the WHO.
Iranian officials described the strike as deliberate, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accusing “American-Israeli aggressors” of targeting critical civilian infrastructure.
Pharma Companies, Hospitals Also Hit
Several other medical facilities have reportedly come under attack:
- Tofigh Daru, a major drug manufacturer producing cancer and cardiovascular medicines, was struck on March 31.
- A psychiatric hospital in Tehran suffered significant damage on March 29.
- A Red Crescent relief warehouse in Bushehr province was hit by a drone, destroying emergency vehicles and aid supplies.
These incidents have intensified fears of a collapsing healthcare system amid an already escalating conflict.
Iran Appeals to Global Health Bodies
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is also a trained heart surgeon, has appealed directly to international organisations, including the WHO, the Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders.
“What message does attacking hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and the Pasteur Institute convey?” he asked, calling for urgent global intervention.
Legal Concerns and Rising Global Trend
Under international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 2286, attacks on healthcare facilities are strictly prohibited.
Despite this, such incidents have been rising globally. The WHO recorded 1,348 attacks on medical facilities in conflict zones in 2025 alone, resulting in nearly 2,000 deaths — a sharp increase compared to the previous year.
No Official Response From US, Israel
So far, neither the United States nor Israel has publicly addressed the allegations regarding strikes on medical facilities in Iran.
As the conflict continues with no clear end in sight, humanitarian organisations warn that the targeting of healthcare infrastructure could have long-term consequences for civilian populations and regional stability.