Red Cross warns Iran could be left without medical care
Flag of Iran (Photo: Getty Images)
The need for emergency medical care in Iran is growing, while medical supplies are dwindling and could run out if the war continues, states Maria Martinez, head of the delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
According to Martinez, the need for medical assistance in Iran is growing exponentially.
"Stocks of trauma kits and other gear could run low if the war persists," the Red Cross and Red Crescent official said on Thursday.
The material also states that on March 31, a medical clinic in Iran's Zanjan province was hit.
"Our concern is really how the humanitarian needs are escalating so rapidly and (over) our ability to bring all the support into the country. The needs are exponentially increasing. Resources are not unlimited," Maria Martinez said.
She added that there is currently no shortage of emergency supplies, but the situation will worsen if hostilities continue, especially given rising supply prices and insufficient funding.
The aid group says it has 100,000 relief workers in 31 provinces of the country, as well as helicopters and rescue dogs, and is providing first aid to those wounded in airstrikes and support to displaced persons.
According to the agency, since the beginning of the war in the Middle East on February 28, over 1,900 people have died in Iran, and more than 21,000 have been wounded. Some other estimates are higher.
Situation in Iran
Hopes for a quick end to the war in Iran vanished on Thursday after US President Donald Trump promised to deliver more aggressive strikes against the Islamic state.
Despite his recent statements about ending the conflict and refusing to fight for the Strait of Hormuz, the White House leader sharply changed his position and announced a strike on the largest bridge in Iran.
Tehran rejected the US 15-point reconciliation plan. Its main demand was for Iran to abandon its nuclear potential.
