Iran's Healthcare System Overwhelmed Amid Violent Protests

Sun Jan 11 2026 18:51:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As protests against the Iranian government escalate, hospitals are struggling to cope with an influx of casualties, raising concerns about human rights and public safety.

In the wake of ongoing anti-government protests across Iran, medical professionals report severe overcrowding in hospitals, dealing with a devastating number of injuries and fatalities. Medics describe horrific scenes, with many young protesters suffering critical gunshot wounds, leading to chaos and a near collapse of healthcare facilities. As the Iranian government blames external influences for the unrest, global leaders call for respect for human rights and the right to protest peacefully.

Staff at three hospitals in Iran have reported being overwhelmed with casualties as major anti-government protests continue across the nation. Medics from Tehran disclosed they were treating young individuals suffering from severe gunshot wounds, some shot directly in vital areas such as the head and heart.

One healthcare worker shared the distressing reality, stating, There wasn't even time for CPR due to the influx of patients arriving in critical condition. The protests, which began in Tehran over economic hardship two weeks ago, have since spread to over 100 cities, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries.

Medical reports confirmed that many protestors had been treated for both live and pellet ammunition wounds. As tensions escalated, a physician from Tehran's prominent eye hospital, Farabi Hospital, detailed the facility's crisis mode, where staff had to suspend non-urgent surgeries to manage the emergency cases.

In a heart-wrenching account, another doctor acknowledged witnessing a dangerously high number of eye injuries, revealing the extent of the violence directed at the populace. Following significant clashes on Thursday and Friday nights, hospitals have seen a surge of casualties, with some sources estimating around 38 deaths in a single facility.

The Iranian government’s response has been one of stern rebuke towards foreign nations, notably blaming the United States for exacerbating the unrest. However, U.S. President Trump promised support for the Iranian struggle for freedom.

As the situation unfolds, the healthcare system stands at a breaking point, with bodies piling up in morgues, and the healthcare workers grappling with the aftermath of violence that disproportionally affects the youth.

Despite the government's claims of maintaining order, eyewitness reports and social media footage depict a country engulfed in turmoil, with protesters boldly taking to the streets and setting government buildings ablaze.

As international leaders condemn the violence against protesters, they urge the Iranian government to respect citizens' rights to demonstrate peacefully. Observers note that the current unrest reflects a much broader discontent within Iranian society, rooted in ongoing economic struggles and a lack of political representation.