Payment Gateways for Several Digital Health Platforms Blocked, E-Commerce Association Warns of Risks

The Tehran E-Commerce Association released a statement describing the sudden blocking of payment gateways for platforms in digital health as unprofessional and concerning. The association emphasizes that this decision affects public health and limits access to medical services.

Investigations reveal that the Electronic Commerce Development Center, following instructions from the Food and Drug Administration, has suspended the payment gateways of several platforms in the digital health sector.

In its statement, the Tehran E-Commerce Association declared that these platforms have complemented the healthcare system in recent years. The abrupt halt of their operations means a sudden cessation of vital services to patients.

Economic and Social Consequences

The statement mentions that the recent decision has disrupted several businesses, affecting numerous human resources. It has also impacted hundreds of licensed pharmacies and thousands of users.

The Tehran E-Commerce Association believes that using severe supervisory tools without prior warnings and expert dialogue exemplifies negative regulation and contradicts good governance principles.

According to the association, the objections raised by the supervisory body have been general and vague, lacking explicit reference to mandatory legal materials and a clear review process. From this trade union's perspective, they lack the necessary legal validity for suspending the Inamod.

Unanswered Requests

The Tehran E-Commerce Association stated efforts were made to dialogue with the supervisory body before these events. In a letter dated December 3, 2025, to the Food and Drug Administration, the association requested a specialized meeting to find regulatory solutions.

Despite weeks passing since the letter, no official response or meeting invitation has been received. The payment gateways of these platforms was suspended without an interactive process.

The Tehran E-Commerce Association requests an immediate halt to this procedure. It demands the transparent announcement of legal bases and the holding of expert meetings with supervisory bodies and the private sector. The association warns that continuing this path will sacrifice digital health to hasty decisions, and the responsibility for its social and medical consequences will lie with the decision-making bodies.