Association of Doctors of Northern Cyprus Calls for Deep Reform of the Healthcare System

The Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (KTTB) issued a statement highlighting the urgent need for radical reform of the country's healthcare system. According to the organization's president, Professor Ceyhun Dalkan, the current system is failing to meet its responsibilities, and cosmetic changes are no longer sufficient.

The doctor emphasized that priority should be given to the development of primary healthcare and preventive programs, rather than merely opening new hospitals or expanding existing ones. He noted that improving access to local medical services, such as through the recently opened medical center in Marash, is a positive step, but insufficient to resolve systemic issues.

Dalkan called for the implementation of a healthcare model based on a family physician system, which would ensure timely and accessible medical care for citizens while reducing the burden on secondary and tertiary hospitals. He also stressed the importance of community screenings and early disease detection programs as a key element of prevention.

Furthermore, the Association's statement calls for transparent, evidence-based, and fair healthcare planning with the participation of all stakeholders. According to the medical professionals, only such an approach can lead to a sustainable and effective system.

The Association of Doctors of Northern Cyprus also urges the government to implement a general health insurance system as soon as possible, integrated with the family physician model. Experts believe this would guarantee universal and equitable access to quality medical services for all citizens.