Court Orders SGK to Pay 800 Thousand TL for Medicine
Court rules in favor of family in cystic fibrosis medication case
A recent court decision has brought relief to a family whose child was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after birth. The child, referred to as UTD, requires two boxes of medication annually to treat the genetic disease, with each box costing approximately 800 thousand lira.
The family had applied to the Social Security Institution (SGK) to cover the cost of the medication, which was imported from abroad, but their request was denied as the drug was not on the reimbursement list. Following this, the family took the matter to court, arguing that the medication was vital for the child’s health and well-being.
In a report submitted to the court by the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Chest Diseases, it was highlighted that the medication in question was medically necessary, would contribute to the child’s recovery, and was more effective than current treatment methods due to its corrective effects on cell functions.
The court, in its decision, emphasized the fundamental right to life and health, stating that the state has a duty to ensure that everyone lives in physical and mental health. The court ruled in favor of the family, ordering that the medication be covered by the Social Security Institution without any deductions during the child’s treatment.
The family’s lawyer, Eliz Atlı, commented on the decision, stating that it means the child will have access to medication for the rest of his life. She emphasized the importance of the drug in the child’s treatment, noting that it was recommended as a lifelong treatment by doctors.
The decision not only provides financial relief for the family but also ensures that the child will receive the necessary medication to manage their condition effectively. This ruling sets a precedent for ensuring access to essential medication for individuals with serious health conditions.
