Problems and Solutions of Pharmacists in Ankara
In a press statement held in Ankara, pharmacists announced to the public the serious problems in the health system. Ankara Pharmacists Chamber President Cem Abbasoğlu, emphasized that wrong policies implemented under the name of savings in health are dragging our country into a health crisis. Stating that Turkey is among the countries that allocate the least budget to medicine and health expenditures, Abbasoğlu stated that this situation makes it difficult for patients to access medicine.
Reorganization of the Drug Price Decree
Abbasoğlu drew attention to the urgency of this issue by saying, “The Drug Price Decree should be re-established according to current needs.” He stated that the economic situation of pharmacists is getting worse, and that decreasing profit margins, as well as increasing rent and personnel expenses due to inflation, are making the profession unsustainable. In this context, it is necessary to present a series of suggestions to solve the problems of pharmacists and patients.
Drug Supply Protocol and Unfair Deductions
Stating the risks posed to pharmacists and patients by not signing a new protocol following the end of the Drug Supply Protocol, Abbasoğlu argued that the current model should be changed. He stated that a new model should be adopted based on the SGK turnover of pharmacies. He also emphasized that some pharmaceutical companies should abandon the application of public institution discounts determined by the SGK.
Examination Participation Fees and Professional Reputation
Stating that the increase in examination participation fees has brought additional burdens to pharmacists, Abbasoğlu stated that the collection of these costs falls on the back of pharmacists. This situation makes it difficult for pharmacists to focus on their main duties and damages their professional reputation. The need to improve the personal rights of pharmacists also stands out as an important issue.
Internet and Uncontrolled Drug Sales
Drugs sold over the internet and through uncontrolled channels cause serious health problems. Abbasoğlu stated that the reliable address at this point is pharmacies and pharmacists, and emphasized that the public should be made aware of this issue. It is important to emphasize that pharmacies are the most reliable solution point for patients' health needs.
Problems in Supplying Medicines
Abbasoğlu stated that some drugs cannot be found in pharmacies and the main reason for this is the price decree. He stated that important drugs such as attention deficit and hyperactivity drugs and chronic disease drugs cannot be found from time to time. This situation negatively affects the treatment processes of patients and can lead to serious health problems.
Importance of Drug Availability and Local Drug Policy
The fact that many pharmaceutical companies have started to withdraw their imported products from the country is jeopardizing the availability of medicines. Abbasoğlu stated that only 9% of the medicines registered with the European Medicines Agency are available in Turkey. This situation could lead to a serious medicine shortage. Developing a national and local medicine policy as a country is of critical importance in solving these problems.
Pharmacy Debts and Public Health
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality closed the debts of 5 thousand patients who had credit debts in pharmacies. Abbasoğlu emphasized that such practices are important in terms of protecting public health. Such support must continue in order for pharmacies to help their patients.
Action Decisions and the Needs of the People
Regarding the action decisions, Abbasoğlu said, “If our legitimate demands are not met, we will have to close our pharmacies in the coming days. We will not leave our people without medicine while carrying out this action.” Pharmacists will continue to provide services through on-call pharmacies. In this process, the protection of public health and the defense of pharmacists’ rights are of great importance.
