The Cyprus Turkish Pharmacists’ Association stated that they are concerned with public health, not with political positions, and issued a statement regarding the “Medication Access Crisis and the TRNC’s Need for Independence in Healthcare.” They emphasised that recent developments once again highlight the structural problems in the pharmaceutical industry and market, Kibris Postasi reports.
The Pharmacists’ Association pointed out that in Turkey, the last price increase for medicine was in December 2023, with a 25% hike, setting the exchange rate for medicine at 17.5483 TL per Euro. They pointed out that since that date, no further price increases have been made in Turkey, while the Euro has continued to gain value against the TL. As a result, the gap between the set exchange rate for medicine and the actual Euro rate has widened significantly, causing major losses for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
This situation has led to a restricted supply of medicines due to insufficient price increases, causing issues with the availability of medicines in Turkey’s domestic market and limiting exports abroad.
“POLITICAL INFIGHTING IS TAKING OVER THE AGENDA”
Similarly, the Association noted that in the UK, the export of some painkiller groups has been halted in order to meet domestic demand. However, when looking at the TRNC, they regretfully observed that political infighting is dominating the agenda, and the country seems far from taking concrete steps to address the health needs of its citizens.
The statement from the Pharmacists’ Association continued:
“Yet, the only permanent solution to these problems is for the TRNC to have the capacity to produce its own medicines, something we have repeatedly emphasised. A healthcare system that can produce enough medicine for its own citizens will ensure supply security and reduce dependence on external sources, supporting sustainability in healthcare.
“We pharmacists have been highlighting these issues and offering solutions for years. However, we see that in our country, the health of political positions seems to be valued more than public health.
“As healthcare professionals, we are not concerned with the well-being of political positions; we are focused on the well-being of society.
“These crises in medication access remind us once again that healthcare is a fundamental human right.
“We call on the authorities to prioritise the health needs of the public and implement solutions to these issues.
“Steps need to be taken to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services and the public’s right to access healthcare.
“It has become essential for the TRNC to increase its medication production capacity and become self-sufficient.
“Otherwise, dependence on external sources will increase, and access to medicines for our citizens will become an even greater crisis over time.
“We expect the right policies and sensible, appropriate steps!
“Remember, we pharmacists are your NEAREST HEALTH ADVISORS!
“With respect”.