In his statement, Dr. Dalkan referenced a June 2024 survey by the Centre for Migration, Identity, and Rights Studies (CMIRS), revealing that only one in ten people were satisfied with health services. He noted significant dissatisfaction with access to medicine, infrastructure, and emergency services.
Dalkan pointed out serious structural issues, including inadequate health planning and a lack of population data. He explained that these shortcomings particularly impact emergency services, causing delays in operations and posing significant threats to public health. The insufficient health budget further exacerbates these issues.
He stressed the necessity of a health capacity plan for effective, efficient, and sufficient health services. This plan should identify current and future health needs and ensure optimal use of resources, including personnel, equipment, medicine, and bed capacity. Without such planning, the health system remains in perpetual crisis, which cannot be solved by merely purchasing new equipment. Improvements in hospital infrastructure and accommodation quality are also essential.
“Emergency services face severe inadequacies due to poor planning, organisation, and insufficient personnel“, Dalkan stated. “The shortage of beds, medical equipment, and staff in emergency departments prevents timely and appropriate care, putting patients’ lives at risk and overburdening healthcare professionals“.
He further explained that these deficiencies erode public trust in the health system. Adequate budget allocation and capacity planning are crucial to preventing such crises and restoring public confidence.
Dalkan called for the development of a capacity plan in North Cyprus that analyses current and future health needs, allocating resources accordingly. He stressed the urgent need to address the shortage of beds, medical equipment, and personnel in emergency services, resolve organisational issues, and expand polyclinic services.
“The health budget should be increased to ensure long-term sustainability and effective resource use”, Dalkan asserted. He also emphasised the importance of education and support programmes for healthcare professionals to enhance service quality and patient satisfaction. Addressing disparities in working conditions, salaries, and retirement among healthcare professionals is also urgent.
Dr. Dalkan concluded by advocating for health policies that are independent of frequently changing governments. He urged the Ministry of Health to collaborate with stakeholders to implement immediate and effective measures, protect public health, rebuild trust in the health system, and improve employee satisfaction.
