Hospitals Struggle to Cope as Protests Spread Across Iran

Iranian doctors say hospitals across the country are struggling to cope with an influx of injured patients as protests against the government continue, according to a BBC report. Medical staff described emergency wards operating under extreme pressure, with shortages of personnel and resources as violence linked to the unrest escalates.

One doctor in Tehran said specialist hospitals have been forced to halt routine medical services in order to treat large numbers of wounded protesters. Similar conditions were reported in other cities, including Shiraz, where medics said hospitals were unable to attend to all patients arriving with serious injuries.

The demonstrations, which began in late December over economic grievances, have spread nationwide and have been met with a heavy security response. Human rights organisations report multiple deaths and widespread arrests, though independent verification remains difficult due to restrictions on foreign media and severe internet disruptions inside Iran.

International concern has grown as the unrest continues. The United States has warned Iranian authorities against the use of lethal force, while Tehran has accused foreign powers of encouraging instability in communications to the United Nations. Meanwhile, medical workers say hospitals remain overwhelmed as protests show no sign of easing.