World Medical Association condemns the attack on Ilam Hospital and violations of medical neutrality in Iran

The World Medical Association strongly condemns the assault on Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran, and the interference with healthcare delivery reported across the country.

Reports indicate that security forces have pressured physicians not to treat injured demonstrators, threatened healthcare professionals, and entered hospitals to remove patients, while the use of force in and around medical facilities has endangered patients, medical staff, and the delivery of essential care. Hospitals and healthcare workers are protected under international humanitarian law and must never be used as tools of repression or control.

The WMA recalls that physicians have a fundamental ethical and professional duty to provide care to all patients based solely on medical need, without discrimination, coercion, or fear of reprisal. Any attempt by state authorities to intimidate doctors, obstruct emergency treatment, or interfere with the doctor–patient relationship undermines public trust in health systems and places lives at serious risk.

“Doctors must never be forced to choose between their professional ethics and their personal safety. Intimidating physicians, interfering with patient care, or turning hospitals into sites of enforcement are unacceptable violations of medical neutrality. The Iranian authorities must immediately cease all intimidation of healthcare professionals, respect the inviolability of medical facilities, and guarantee that doctors can provide care freely, safely, and without fear”, said Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu, President of the World Medical Association.

The World Medical Association calls on the Iranian authorities to respect and uphold its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, including the protection of medical personnel and the inviolability of healthcare facilities, and stands in solidarity with physicians and health professionals in Iran.

-end-