Iran Faces Codeine Supply Pressure After Decline in Afghan Opium Cultivation

DID Press: A spokesperson for Iran’s Association of Pharmacists says shortages of medicines such as codeine are partly linked to difficulties in securing raw materials, including impacts from reduced opium cultivation in Afghanistan.

Hadi Ahmadi stated that the shortage of certain drugs is not solely due to economic sanctions, but also stems from challenges in sourcing pharmaceutical inputs.

He noted that restrictions on opium cultivation in Afghanistan have reduced the availability of raw materials used in the production of codeine, affecting pharmaceutical supply chains.

According to Ahmadi, this disruption has directly impacted Iran’s drug production system, creating shortages in some medicinal products and limiting patient access.

He added that addressing pharmaceutical shortages requires a broader assessment of supply chain factors, rather than attributing the issue exclusively to sanctions.