Arifin Muh Hadi, Chief of PMI Headquarters, oversees preparations of medical assistance set to be delivered to Iran. (ANTARA/HO-PMI)
Amid mounting pressure on Iran’s healthcare system following recent attacks by the US and Israel, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is preparing to send emergency medicines and medical supplies to the country.
The decision was made after Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi appealed for urgent assistance, PMI Secretary General A.M. Fachir told reporters in Jakarta on May 29. He explained that widespread destruction caused by the attacks had severely disrupted healthcare services and damaged critical medical infrastructure across Iran. Describing the aid as a reflection of humanitarian solidarity between the Indonesian and Iranian people, he also expressed hope that the assistance would help support ongoing relief operations.
Data from Iran’s Health Ministry indicates that more than 50 hospitals, along with hundreds of medical facilities, suffered major damage from explosions and direct strikes. Facilities in Tehran, including Gandhi Hospital and a psychiatric hospital, were among those affected. In addition to the destruction of healthcare centres, residential areas and public infrastructure were also hit, resulting in thousands of casualties and hampering access to medical treatment nationwide.
Over 180 rural clinics, primary healthcare centres and community health units have either been damaged or rendered inoperable, leaving many low-income and vulnerable residents without adequate healthcare access. Domestic pharmaceutical production has also been weakened because several important manufacturing sites were impacted during the attacks. Prior to the conflict, Iran reportedly produced around 90% of its own medicines and medical equipment.
The relief package, valued at 2 billion Indonesian rupiah (112,000 US dollars), contains personal protective equipment, surgical tools, injury treatment kits, essential medicines and other emergency medical items. PMI confirmed that the shipment will be transported next week via Taftan, a border crossing between Pakistan and Iran.
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