One in five Iranians suffers from malnutrition, according to the latest figures released by the country’s deputy health minister. Speaking at a conference of medical university heads, Dr Ali Akbar Sayari said the proportion could be even higher, as official Iranian health statistics are always at variance with the actual figures.

Dr Sayari also spoke of a lack of basic medical services for over 10 million Iranians who have no health insurance, most of whom live on the outskirts of the major cities. “We also need 2700 more specialist doctors in rural areas,” he added.

Shahrzadnews