Pharmacists Association Hosts Pride March in Nicosia
The Turkish Cypriot Pharmacists Association recently conducted a “Pride March” in Nicosia to protest the prescription fraud process.
Pharmacists gathered at Nicosia Bus Terminal and marched to the front of the Republic Assembly. During the demonstration, Umut Öksüz, President of the Turkish Cypriot Pharmacists Association, addressed the difficulties faced during the prescription investigation trial process and the purpose of the action.
“We came here with the promise of ‘We Have a Couple of Words’ to express the voice and power of the pharmacist here today and the existence of pharmaceutical warehouses, which are the locomotive power of this sector,” Öksüz stated. The action was attended by Minister of Labor and Social Security Sadık Gardiyanoğlu and Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek, who assured the pharmacists of ongoing communication and efforts to manage the prescription fraud process correctly.
Gardiyanoğlu stressed his commitment to inspecting social insurance and punishing criminals, if any. He also mentioned the implementation of a new system to prevent insured patients from being victimized. Meanwhile, Dinçyürek emphasized the centrality of the patient and the need for a system that satisfies everyone involved.
Following the ministers’ statements, Umut Öksüz read a press release expressing concerns over the difficulties faced by patients with social insurance trying to access prescribed drugs. Additionally, there was a shortage of medicine within the Ministry of Health, leading to increased expenses.
CTP Chairman Tufan Erhürman joined the pharmacists and criticized the method followed during the prescription investigation process, calling it unacceptable. He also stressed the society’s duty to protect pharmacists and the pharmacy profession. The association has submitted projects and suggestions to relevant ministries to address the issues regarding drug shortage.
The demonstration served as a platform for the Turkish Cypriot Pharmacists Association to raise awareness about the challenges faced by pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry in the region. It also highlighted the need for improved processes to ensure that patients have access to the prescribed medications they require.
