might face backlash from the united states. the head of the hospital says some medications have become impossible to obtain, even on the black market, with severe consequences. >> we have the procedures, but we don't have the instruments. and it's very difficult for patients and maybe lead to death for some patients. >> reporter: back in the icu, the doctor is checking on a patient with a heart condition. she doesn't speech much english but she did want to convey a message. >> it's very bad for older people. why we have sanctions? why? >> reporter: instead of asking why, the staff at this and other iranian hospitals every day ask themselves how they'll be able to supply their patients with the treatment they need. fred pleitgen, cnn, tehran. for more, cnn's nic