Dinçyürek: Robotic Surgery Has Raised The Bar In Healthcare

Speaking on the “Sabah Postası” programme on Kıbrıs Postası TV hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Dinçyürek discussed ongoing healthcare investments, robotic surgery applications, hospital projects and medicine supply processes.

“Robotic surgery is a very important step toward taking healthcare standards in Northern Cyprus to the very top,” Dinçyürek said, adding that the aim was to make the technology available to as many medical branches as possible.

He noted that there is no such thing as “zero risk” in surgery, but stressed that modern technology significantly reduces complications.

“We have taken every possible measure to achieve more successful results with minimal damage,” he said.

Dinçyürek also announced that robotic systems would soon begin to be used in cardiovascular procedures. Initially, the technology is expected to serve five medical branches, while paediatricians and ENT specialists have also reportedly requested inclusion in training programmes.

Specialists Brought From Turkey

The minister stressed that international certification is required to operate the robotic surgery systems and said doctors had been sent for specialised training.

He added that experts from Turkey had also been brought in to observe operations and provide guidance in order to minimise the possibility of errors.

“Local Healthcare” Model

Dinçyürek said the government had adopted a “local healthcare” approach to reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment.

He noted that angiography services, once available only at Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital, had now also begun at Famagusta State Hospital.

The move, he said, was aimed not only at reducing overcrowding but also at ensuring faster intervention in cardiac emergencies.

“Although it has not received much media attention, we recruited the first cardiovascular surgeon for Famagusta State Hospital,” Dinçyürek said, adding that further appointments would follow in the coming weeks as part of efforts to establish a 24-hour service system.

“Come And See How An A-Class Hospital Is Built”

Responding to criticism over delays in the completion of Kyrenia Hospital, Dinçyürek said equipment deliveries were continuing and that the project had reached its final stage with logistical support from Turkey.

“I invite everyone to come and see how an A-class state hospital is built in the TRNC once it is completed,” he said.

The minister stated that, barring any setbacks, the hospital is expected to open within the next one to two months.

Dinçyürek also said Güzelyurt Hospital had been completed, with only landscaping and equipment installation remaining, and that it would open together with Kyrenia Hospital.

He added that the State Laboratory project was nearing completion and would enter its final phase after the installation of equipment following the holiday period.

Criticism Over Medicine Supply Claims

Commenting on claims by Pharmacists’ Association President Umut Öksüz that cancer patients were struggling to access medication, Dinçyürek said he found it difficult to understand the criticism.

He said a major pharmaceutical tender worth 1.8 billion Turkish lira was close to being finalised.

“I struggle to understand what the opposition, the Pharmacists’ Association and sometimes even the Doctors’ Association are asking for,” Dinçyürek said.

He argued that criticism had shifted from claims that “even Panadol could not be found” to complaints that the government was purchasing too much medication, which he said allegedly harmed pharmacies.