KTTB and KTEB Request Court of Accounts Audit for Social Insurance Department in “Fake Prescription Investigation”
Turkish Cypriot Medical and Pharmacists Associations Seek Court Audit for “Fake Prescription Investigation”
The Turkish Cypriot Medical Association (KTTB) and the Turkish Cypriot Pharmacists Association (KTEB) have taken legal action in response to the ongoing “fake prescription investigation” related to the Social Insurance Department. Both organizations have jointly applied to the Court of Accounts to conduct an audit of the department in light of the recent developments.
Following their official application, representatives from KTBB and KTEB addressed the media to explain the reasons behind their decision. Umut Öksüz, President of KTEB, emphasized that the responsibility for what he referred to as “so-called fake prescription fraud” extends beyond just pharmacists and physicians. He insisted that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to uncover the truth.
In addition to pointing out the public scrutiny faced by pharmacists and self-employed physicians involved in contracts with the Social Insurance Office, Öksüz highlighted the presumption of innocence under universal legal principles. He underlined that no one should be considered guilty until proven otherwise.
Furthermore, Öksüz drew attention to the agreements between the Social Insurance Department and pharmacists, noting that any violations of these contracts were subject to penalties. He raised concerns regarding the prescriptions at the center of the investigation and emphasized the inclusion of Social Security Department officials in the ongoing probe.
Additionally, with revelations that nearly 50 pharmacists and 17 doctors have been involved in the investigation and subsequent legal actions, the impact on their livelihoods and the healthcare system has been extensive. Öksüz lamented the negative effects faced by these individuals, as well as the difficulties experienced by insured individuals as a result.
Ahmet Özant, President of KTTB, also weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability within the Social Insurance Department. He stressed the financial repercussions faced by doctors and their suspension from issuing social insurance prescriptions.
Özant also addressed the structural shortcomings that have perpetuated these issues for several years. He emphasized the need to address negligence and abuse of duty within the Social Insurance Department, expressing disappointment at the lack of proactive measures to prevent the situation from escalating.
In light of the complex nature of the “fake prescription investigation,” the actions taken by KTTB and KTEB underscore the urgency of addressing the underlying issues within the healthcare system. As the case continues to unfold, efforts to promote transparency and accountability are essential to restore trust and integrity in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
