Tehran, Iran – In recent days, concerns have grown in Iran about rising insulin prices and shortages in pharmacies. This has alarmed both patients and doctors.
According to Iranian media reports, some officials attribute the price hikes to the elimination of preferential currency for domestically produced medicines. This has affected patients’ ability to access essential treatments.
Increased prices for blood glucose test strips
The price of blood glucose test strips has risen sharply. This has forced some patients to reduce the number of daily tests, which threatens their ability to control their blood sugar. “The price of a strip has increased from 370,000 tomans to 530,000, and I could only find two strips in online stores,” said Sima, from Tehran, according to IranWire.
Causes of the crisis from the perspective of officials and experts
A spokesperson for Iran’s Food and Drug Administration confirmed that the shortage was related to “specific types of foreign insulin.” Meanwhile, Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi denied that the price hikes were due to the elimination of the preferential currency system. He indicated that the government had not discussed any changes to drug prices.
The head of the Iranian Diabetes Association, Ali Reza Estamati, pointed out that the problem lies in drug management and the supply chain. He explained that most insulin pens are manufactured by a single company and imported from two other companies within the country. Other companies rely on imported raw materials. He added that banking and financial sanctions have disrupted supplies. Although these sanctions do not target pharmaceuticals directly, they increase the time required for obtaining raw materials. This also raises production costs.
High prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes
According to statistics from the Diabetes Association, approximately 40% of adults in Iran suffer from diabetes or prediabetes. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is estimated at over 7 million. More than 10 million are in the pre-diabetic stage.
Studies indicate that increased obesity, decreased physical activity, poor nutrition, and reduced household purchasing power have contributed to rising diabetes rates. This has led to the disease appearing at a younger age (18-20 years).
Impact on society
The shortages and price hikes affect not only type 1 diabetes patients, but also pregnant women with gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients. This increases significant health risks, including a rise in diabetic complications, kidney and eye damage, and diabetic ulcers.
