Dinçyürek: “We Are Very Successful In Medicines”

Dinçyürek made the remarks while speaking on the “Sabah Postası” programme broadcast on Kıbrıs Postası TV and hosted by Gökhan Altıner.

“WE PROCURE TWICE AS MANY MEDICINES COMPARED TO THE PAST”

Commenting on medicine supply during the programme, Dinçyürek said that before his term in office the state was able to procure only between 600 and 800 pharmaceutical items, and that medicines outside this range were barely discussed in terms of whether they were available in the public system.

He noted that this figure has now been increased to 1,500 items, adding that despite the state supplying twice as many medicines, the absence of even a single drug can create a public perception that “there is no medicine”.

“WE BROUGHT IN MANY MEDICINES THAT WERE NEVER SUPPLIED BEFORE”

Dinçyürek said many medicines that had never been procured in previous periods were brought in under his tenure. He explained that occasional short-term shortages stem from stock problems in Turkey and licensing processes, factors beyond the ministry’s control and linked to disruptions in the international supply chain.

He also pointed out that some supplier companies that win tenders are unable to deliver medicines within the promised timeframe, stressing that responsibility in such cases lies with the firms rather than the ministry. Dinçyürek said this procurement model was preferred to support local companies, although it can sometimes create difficulties.

“EVERYONE MUST FULFIL THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES”

Emphasising efforts to improve the medicine supply system for the benefit of patients, Dinçyürek said the ministry continues its work with a substantial pharmaceutical budget. He argued that the state taking on the entire process alone would harm local companies, underlining that all stakeholders must fulfil their respective responsibilities and that the Pharmaceutical Depot must meet stock levels and market demand on time.

Dinçyürek also said that South Cyprus applies serious restrictions in the pharmaceutical sector, noting that while state-to-state procurement is necessary for some medicines, South Cyprus imposes supply and sales barriers in this process.

“WE ARE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN MEDICINES”

Stating that the pharmaceutical sector faces many global challenges, Dinçyürek nevertheless said they have been “very successful in medicines”, adding that patients leave hospitals with bags full of medication. He stressed that no country is able to supply every medicine produced worldwide without exception, and said the increase from 600 to 1,500 medicine items is a concrete indicator of this success.