Protesters injured during Iran’s ongoing anti-government demonstrations are reportedly avoiding hospitals out of fear of arrest, instead seeking treatment secretly in private homes. Accounts from cities including Isfahan, Tehran, and Arak describe wounded demonstrators relying on sympathetic doctors, nurses, and volunteers for covert medical help. Health workers told the BBC that security forces are stationed in hospitals, prompting many to hide their injuries and avoid official medical records.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported confirming 6,301 deaths linked to the unrest, including 5,925 protesters and 112 children, while Iranian authorities claim over 3,100 deaths, mostly among security personnel and bystanders. The semi-official Tasnim agency cited the Health Ministry saying 13,000 surgeries have been performed during the protests and that about 3,000 people who initially avoided hospitals later sought treatment.

Human rights groups said doctors treating injured protesters have themselves become targets, with Iran Human Rights reporting at least five doctors and one volunteer arrested. Reports from Tehran and smaller towns indicate worsening conditions, shortages of medical supplies, and growing fear among both patients and healthcare workers.