“This is shameful”: pharmacist Dikle Tekiner harshly criticized the situation with medicines in Northern Cyprus

Drug shortages and disruptions in the healthcare system of Northern Cyprus have once again come into the public spotlight following a resonant statement by pharmacist Dikle Tekiner, made after a shift at a pharmacy.

The pharmacist drew attention to a serious problem: many medicines stored in warehouses and pharmacies will soon become unusable. According to her, drugs that are currently prescribed have expiration dates of less than two months and will soon be written off as waste.

Tekiner emphasized that this causes economic damage and is simultaneously a moral issue, since in conditions of medicine shortages the drugs are effectively being thrown away.

In her statement, the pharmacist подробно described the problems that pharmacy workers face daily. According to her, the lack of pediatric dosages forces pharmacists to calculate doses from adult medications. As a result, part of the medicine is used, while the remainder is discarded.

“I was ashamed to tell four out of five patients that the medicine is unavailable, that it has not been imported for months, that there is a shortage on the market,” she noted.

She added that pharmacists are forced to spend a long time explaining to patients how to take medicines correctly under non-standard conditions, feeling uncomfortable in front of other people waiting in line.

Tekiner stressed that as an ordinary pharmacist she has repeatedly felt shame, but responsibility lies with those in leadership positions who avoid acknowledging their responsibility.

“Even if we hang black flags all over the island, this shame cannot be hidden,” she stated.

The pharmacist admitted that the last shift was one of the most psychologically difficult for her. In conclusion, she expressed support for her colleagues:

“I wish strength to all pharmacists and healthcare workers who are left alone with this system but continue to fight for people’s health. Take care of your health — because even if you have money, you may not receive treatment,” Tekiner said.