U.S. sanctions, soaring inflation and war damage are worsening Iran’s medicine shortages, forcing some patients to cut doses, delay treatment or switch to cheaper, less effective drugs.

Nearly 800 medications are reportedly affected, while pharmacies are also struggling because insurance companies owe them about $300 million.

Iran produces more than 97% of its medicines by volume, but many drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients still depend on imports and foreign currency.

Experts say U.S. sanctions complicate payments and discourage foreign banks and suppliers from dealing with Iranian buyers, even though medicine itself is generally exempt.

The crisis was further aggravated by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes earlier this year, which Iranian officials said damaged more than 40 pharmaceutical companies, suppliers and distributors.

Source: CNN