Patient rights and lack of oversight emphasized in the healthcare system

Emete İmge, Vice President of the Patient Rights Association, speaking on a program, argued that the healthcare system has failed to achieve a sustainable structure, making important assessments regarding oversight deficiencies, drug procurement problems, and specialist physician shortages.

Deficiencies in Oversight and Legislation in the Healthcare System

Stating that long-term policies cannot be implemented due to frequently changing governments and healthcare administrators, Emete İmge said that enacted laws remain dysfunctional because their implementing regulations are not prepared.

Expressing that one of the most significant shortcomings in the healthcare field is the lack of a comprehensive law protecting patient rights, İmge emphasized that quality standards go no further than being a stylish text in the absence of regulations.

Problems Experienced in Drug Supply and Insulin Procurement

Stating that diabetes patients experience serious difficulties in accessing medication, İmge expressed that there are problems particularly in procuring long-acting insulin and that patients are directed to different hospitals.

Arguing that the state should procure the drugs available on the market and provide them to patients free of charge or reimburse the expenses, İmge called for strengthening communication between the Ministry of Health and patient associations.

Specialist Physician Shortage and Private Sector Support

Stating that there has not been an endocrinology and metabolism diseases specialist in public hospitals for a long time, İmge argued that the problem could not be solved despite the statements of the Ministry of Health.

Stating that the option of purchasing services from specialists in the private sector should be evaluated to meet the need for specialists, İmge pointed out the importance of planning a diabetes center to serve across the country.

Rare Diseases and Newborn Screenings

Stating that the Patient Rights Association has been dealing with the problems of individuals with rare diseases for six years, İmge said these patients experience great difficulties in diagnosis and treatment processes.

She emphasized that it is of vital importance to procure the necessary devices and kits for newborn screenings and heelprick test applications in terms of early diagnosis.