In a recent statement, Iran’s Medical Organization criticized the difference between the official stats and the reality and stated that many significant figures in the medical community have been lost due to lack of basic protective equipment and measures.

Although President Rouhani on Wednesday denied any shortage of medical equipment and facilities, the Medical Organization’s statement confirms the shortage of medical protective items and test kits.

The statement reads: “Equipping doctors, nurses, experts, and employees who are on the front line of the fight against COVID-19, is an important duty of the Ministry of Health and all the organizations that work under that ministry to stop the coronavirus pandemic.”

The Medical Organization states that there is a “considerable distance” between the official numbers of coronavirus victims and the reality in the field.

Previously other officials including several members of parliament had also questioned the official numbers.

At least four government officials have been removed from their positions for providing different stats than the official report.

The Medical Organization has asked the government to prevent economic problems through subsidies and accept the expenses of living for people in these times in order to help citizens stay at home.

The president has ordered the reopening of the government offices and so far, 1.2 million businesses have registered to reopen.