Rouhani Outlines Iran’s Health Infrastructure Readiness for Possible COVID-19 Spike

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic Republic’s health infrastructure is strong enough and prepared to counter a possible rise in COVID-19 cases.

“Our health infrastructure is strong; not only has it endured the present circumstances, but our doctors and nurses are ready for a possible spike,” Rouhani said on Saturday.

Speaking at the National Headquarters for Managing and Fighting the Coronavirus, Rouhani said Iran has managed to avoid crises faced by other countries, such as shortages in food and critical medical supplies.

“Thankfully everything is working out together; our oil refineries and oil wells, our power stations, our water treatment centers across the country and our national transport system are ready and active,” he said.

Rouhani added that the government covers 90 percent of coronavirus-related costs, pointing that patients in certain countries need to pay up to 1,500 dollars to receive similar services.

He further announced that Iran has allocated 20% of its budget for the new Persian year of 1399 to countering the coronavirus pandemic.

“This measure might surprise the world as we are currently under sanctions, along with the fact that our hospitals are well-equipped and our medical personal have high spirits,” Rouhani said.

Grappling with the coronavirus outbreak, Iran is facing sweeping American sanctions targeting every aspect of the Iranian economy.

Many world leaders, figures and groups have called on the US to suspend the sanctions that have negatively impacted Iran’s efforts to curb the outbreak.