The health sector in Iran faces many challenges as US-led sanctions continue to cripple the sector. Shortages to essential supplies are common. But the restrictions are also helping Iran's pharmaceutical industry. Most drugs are produced locally, helping a sector now valued at four-billion US dollars   to expand. Adel El Mahrouky reports.

Most medical supplies are not technically included in the US-led sanctions regime on Iran. But with many international banks avoiding financial transactions with the Islamic Republic, the health sector suffers frequent shocks. Among them, rising costs due to inflation, which in turn slows down development in the critical sector.