Irans childrens hospital remains a beacon of hope amidst ongoing conflict
April 2, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Tehran, Iran – On Thursday, thousands of Iranian families gathered at Pardisan Park in Tehran for Sizdah Bedar, a celebration marking Nature Day in the Persian calendar. The event coincided with the end of Nowruz, the Persian New Year holidays.
Meanwhile, staff at the Children’s Medical Center, located within the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, organized activities to provide a joyful experience for children who were unable to leave their hospital due to illness. The pediatric facility has not been impacted by recent strikes in the area, unlike some other medical facilities.
The event was part of an effort by doctors and healthcare providers to alleviate anxiety among families with children suffering from underlying health conditions. Children participated in various activities, including drawing, painting, and playing games. Hospital staff wore costumes and engaged with patients, creating a festive atmosphere.
According to Dr. Samaneh Kavousi, one of the organizers, the goal was to provide some relief for anxious families during a challenging time. The hospital has seen an increase in emergency admissions over the past two days, but staff remain prepared to quickly adapt to normal activity levels when the conflict ends.
The hospital’s pediatric facility currently faces no shortage of medicine, and staff are committed to continuing their work to help children and their families. However, healthcare personnel are also under significant mental strain due to the ongoing conflict.
Source: Al Jazeera