Öksüz: A Crisis in Medicine Access Is Looming

In an interview with Kıbrıs Postası, Öksüz stated that “chair health has become more valuable than human health,” referring to the political chaos surrounding the election of the Parliament Speaker, while the critical issue of medicine shortages remains largely unaddressed.

Öksüz predicted that within a week, the country would face a severe shortage of essential medications, emphasizing that the public’s health is being overlooked. “While everyone’s agenda is focused on the chaos of the Parliament Speaker election, our agenda is the medicine crisis,” he remarked.

He also highlighted the anticipated price increase in medicines in Turkey, noting that the last price adjustment was made in December 2023. “In Turkey, the official exchange rate for determining drug prices was 1 euro to 17.54 TL, but the real rate is around 37.15 TL. This discrepancy is causing losses for pharmaceutical manufacturers and, due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira, price hikes are being demanded,” Öksüz explained.

Pointing out that drug prices in Northern Cyprus are dependent on Turkey, Öksüz added, “We, as the KTEB, do not set drug prices. We are dependent on Turkey. Even if a price increase is decided, it could be implemented without us being informed.”

Öksüz also stressed the need for local drug production, noting that the country does not produce enough chronic medications for its population. “This leaves every citizen at the mercy of pharmaceutical companies. Developed countries faced shortages during the pandemic but solved the issue by increasing production. Even EU countries were unable to export painkillers. Our country needs to produce its own medicines,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of local production.