Turkish Medical Association Objects to MEDULA System Approval Obligation
The Turkish Medical Association requested the removal of the obligation for physicians to approve MEDULA records with an electronic signature, which was introduced as of September 1st.
The Turkish Medical Association applied to the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Institution (SGK), asking for the termination of the obligation imposed on physicians to check and approve records regarding medical procedures via the MEDULA system using an electronic signature as of September 1, 2026.
MEDULA System Regulation
The Turkish Medical Association sent an official letter to the Ministry of Health and the SGK regarding the control and approval obligation imposed on physicians through the MEDULA system, which operates between public health institutions and the Social Security Institution.
Electronic Signature Requirement
In the letters sent on September 22, 2026, it was stated that with the amendment made in the MEDULA system, physicians were asked to check and approve records related to medical procedures using their personal electronic signatures.
Verbal Instructions from Hospitals
It was conveyed in applications received by medical chambers that, in the event of detecting erroneous or duplicate records, verbal instructions were given not to perform rejection procedures but rather to report the situation to the hospitals' IT units.
Primary Duties of Physicians
The letter recalled 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.
Restriction of Time Allocated for Healthcare
It was emphasized that requiring physicians to individually review and approve hundreds of data points on a matter outside their job descriptions would restrict the effort and time that should be allocated to healthcare services.
Grievance and Call for Cancellation
The TTB requested that the unlawful aspects of the application and the potential grievances it may create for physicians and patients be evaluated and that the practice be terminated as soon as possible.