Arrest of 4 Healthcare Workers Following the Incident of Injecting Distilled Water Instead of Medication / What Happened?

In a shocking incident, it was revealed that at the Vali-e-Asr International Hospital in Tabriz, distilled water was injected into some patients instead of chemotherapy drugs. These medications, which had been donated to the hospital by the families of deceased patients, were sold on the black market instead of being used for underprivileged patients.

According to Dr. Shahriyar Mokhtari, Deputy Director of the Tabriz International Hospital, the malpractice was uncovered when one of the hospital staff members was caught buying and selling medications in the market. Following this incident, the hospital filed a complaint, and the offender was handed over to the police station.

Mokhtari explained: "We discovered that the donated medications were not reaching the patients and were being sold on the black market. With the hospital management's follow-up and a warrant from the provincial prosecutor, four hospital staff members have been arrested. This case is still under judicial investigation, and further information will be announced upon the conclusion of the inquiry."

Statement from the Vali-e-Asr International Hospital Regarding Recent Events:

Following recent incidents in the chemotherapy department of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Tabriz concerning the medications used in the department and potential misuse outside the hospital, we wish to inform you that this matter came to light due to a complaint and investigation by the hospital’s management and security team regarding several staff members. The hospital will continue to pursue the matter until a resolution is reached and the individuals responsible are dealt with appropriately.

Additionally, the case is currently under judicial review, and once the investigation is complete, the provincial judiciary will provide a comprehensive update.

The Public Prosecutor of Tabriz announced: The offenders from one of Tabriz's private hospitals will be prosecuted.

According to IRNA, Babak Mahboub Alilou announced the identification of several individuals involved in the misconduct at the healthcare center and stated that after being charged and undergoing extensive and thorough investigations, they are currently under temporary detention. He emphasized that protecting and safeguarding public rights is one of the judiciary’s key responsibilities and declared: "The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Tabriz will not relent in this case, and if any crimes are confirmed, the perpetrators will face the consequences of their disgraceful actions."

Mahboub Alilou further stressed that the judiciary will not be influenced by peripheral issues concerning this case, noting: "Undoubtedly, defending citizens' rights and preventing any infringement on public rights is a priority for the prosecutor’s office, and no leniency will be shown in this matter. "He added: "Following the discovery of the misconduct at the mentioned hospital in Tabriz, a case was immediately opened at the Tabriz Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office and referred to one of the investigation branches for further proceedings."

Mahboub Alilou stated: "The Tabriz Prosecutor's Office is thoroughly and comprehensively investigating this case to uncover the truth and determine any potential crimes, avoiding any distractions or peripheral matters at every level."

He urged media outlets to refrain from publishing unverified news and reports, allowing the case to proceed naturally. The Public Prosecutor of Tabriz added: "After completing the necessary and sufficient investigations, the prosecutor’s office will provide timely updates about the healthcare center to inform public opinion."

In recent weeks, various reports on social media have alleged that chemotherapy drugs for patients admitted to a private hospital in Tabriz were sold by members of its staff. Some of these reports suggest that patients suffered physical harm as a result.