Turkish Medical Association Demands Removal of Control Obligation on MEDULA System
The Turkish Medical Association has applied to official institutions to end the obligation for physicians to control and approve records via the MEDULA system using electronic signatures.
The Turkish Medical Association sent an official letter to the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Institution with the aim of removing the obligation imposed on physicians to check and approve personal electronic signatures through the MEDULA system.
Change in MEDULA Application
A change was made in the MEDULA system, through which electronic data and invoicing transactions are carried out between public health institutions and the Social Security Institution. As of September 1, 2026, physicians were asked to check and approve records regarding medical procedures with their personal electronic signatures.
Applications Received by Medical Chambers
In applications made to medical chambers, it was conveyed that verbal instructions were given stating that in cases where erroneous, incomplete, or duplicate records are detected, the situation should be reported to the IT departments of the hospitals rather than executing a rejection procedure.
Primary Duties of Physicians
It was reminded that the primary duty and responsibility of physicians is to carry out patient diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes in accordance with professional ethics and scientific requirements. It was emphasized that invoicing and administrative control procedures constitute a different field of work.
Impact on Service Quality
In the letter, it was stated that the individual auditing and approval of hundreds of data items by physicians on a matter outside their job descriptions would restrict their labor and time, which would harm the quality and continuity of healthcare services.
Demand for Termination of the Practice
It was requested that the practice, which was stated to contain violations of law, public interest, and service requirements, be completely terminated, considering that it could create potential grievances for physicians and patients.