German Pharmacist Provides Support to Iranian Protesters Amid Health Crisis

Amid ongoing unrest in Iran, a German-based pharmacist is contributing to the healthcare response for those affected by recent protests. Since late December 2025, widespread demonstrations in Iran have been met with significant government crackdowns, according to international media. Reports suggest that the consequences have been severe, with thousands injured and a large number of fatalities among the demonstrators.

Health professionals, including pharmacists, doctors, and psychologists, have formed independent networks to offer medical guidance and solidarity to those impacted by the situation in Iran. One such network, ParsiMed, is comprised of healthcare specialists of Iranian descent residing in Germany and other countries. Their primary goal is to provide remote medical consultations, particularly in situations where access to formal healthcare is limited or potentially dangerous for protesters.

Due to the risk of arrest for those seeking treatment at state-affiliated hospitals and clinics in Iran, the telemedicine services offered by networks like ParsiMed have become critical. The collaborative approach within these groups allows for the rapid sharing of expertise, including diagnosis and medication advice, often in emergency scenarios. This remote support is particularly vital for injuries commonly reported during the protests, such as eye trauma resulting from projectiles. Estimates from medical sources indicate that hundreds of thousands of people have sustained injuries, and there are significant reports of vision loss among protesters as a result of the violence.

The Iranian government and independent observers have released differing casualty figures, with international organizations unable to independently verify the exact toll. However, the scale of injuries and fatalities highlights the urgent need for medical and psychological assistance for those affected by the unrest.

Within Iran, there have been claims that some medical professionals are circumventing official protocols to protect patients. Instances have been reported where the true cause of injuries, such as gunshot wounds, is documented under alternative diagnoses to shield patients from potential repercussions. In some cases, injured protesters are admitted under false names to avoid detection by authorities. Despite the challenges, healthcare providers in Iran are reportedly striving to uphold their professional obligations and offer care to those in need, even under significant pressure from security forces.

Medical associations outside Iran, such as the German Marburger Bund, have issued statements condemning the reported acts of violence and intimidation against healthcare workers and patients in Iran. These organizations stress the importance of maintaining hospitals and medical facilities as neutral zones, not instruments of political repression. They call for respect for fundamental human rights in the provision of medical care during times of civil unrest.

The situation in Iran continues to draw international attention, with global healthcare networks and advocacy groups playing a crucial role in supporting affected individuals through remote medical assistance and by raising awareness of the ongoing health crisis facing protest participants.