Pharmacists in Northern Cyprus demand the urgent introduction of a “Distance Regulation” for pharmacies

The Turkish Cypriot Pharmacists’ Union (KTEB) issued a strong statement warning that the chaotic and uncontrolled opening of pharmacies threatens the sustainability of the profession and could negatively affect the healthcare system.

The statement by the union’s executive board notes that the issue of the so-called “Distance Regulation” — rules governing the minimum distance between pharmacies — has been regularly raised in meetings with the Ministry of Health since the current KTEB leadership took office. The Minister of Health, Hakan Dinçyürek, previously stated, including on Pharmacists’ Day on May 14, that work was underway on the relevant regulation; however, no concrete steps have yet been taken.

KTEB emphasized that decisions agreed upon at the Council of Ministers level regarding the regulation of pharmacy openings must be implemented without further delay. The union stated that it will oppose any attempts to prolong the process.

“We will not accept positions that plunge our profession into uncertainty and push public health into the background. This time, we expect not promises, but real political will,” the statement said.