Finance Minister Berova Joins Health Associations Platform
Health Associations Meet with Minister of Finance to Discuss Patient Problems
The Minister of Finance, Özdemir Berova, recently met with representatives from various health associations to discuss the problems faced by patients and to find solutions. The meeting was attended by presidents and representatives of organizations such as the Turkish Cypriot Orthopedic Disabled People Association, Thalassaemia Association, Turkish Cypriot MS Association, Dialysis and Kidney Patients Association, Cyprus Hearing and Speech Impaired Foundation, Kemal Saraçoğlu Foundation for Children with Leukemia and Fight Against Cancer, Alzheimer’s Patients Association, and Universal Patient Rights Association.
During the meeting, Minister Berova emphasized the importance of NGOs coming together to address issues and work towards solutions. He assured the representatives that their voices would be heard and recognized the challenges faced in accessing medicine, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic, earthquake, global unrest, and economic difficulties. Minister Berova highlighted the government’s measures to address drug shortages, noting that the 2024 budget saw a significant increase in funding in this area.
As a physician himself, Minister Berova expressed his sensitivity towards ensuring patients have access to the right medicines, stressing the need to reduce waste and develop automation systems. He assured the representatives that steps would be taken to improve access to medicines.
Ahmet Varoğlu, the Term President of the Health Associations Platform, spoke on behalf of the 11 organizations and highlighted the urgency of addressing the shortage of medicines and medical supplies, as well as the structural errors that have adversely impacted patients. Representatives from the associations also expressed concerns about the lack of statistical data to determine diseases and risk groups, as well as issues related to the access, transportation, and employment of individuals with special needs.
The meeting served as an important platform for the Minister of Finance to engage directly with health associations and gain insight into the challenges faced by patients. The collaborative efforts of the government and health organizations are crucial in addressing the complex issues surrounding access to medicines, medical supplies, and healthcare services.
