While the new coronavirus causes deaths in Iran, many patients have struggled to find medicine due to the sanctions reinstated by the United States in 2018 after it withdrew from a nuclear deal on May 8, 2018.

Although humanitarian items are exempt from US sanctions on paper, banks declines transactions involving Iran to avoid being exposed to potential litigation.

There are the lack of equipment and spare parts in the pharmaceutical plants
An Iranian pharmaceutical plant has been unable to produce a drug that is essential for treating leukemia for the past six months, according to the Iranian officials.

There are nearly 500,000 cancer patients in Iran, and it is the second biggest cause of death in the country, claiming 30,000 lives a year. (ILKHA)