Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists issued a press release due to the problems experienced by pharmacists.   Ozcan, who mentioned the shortage of medicines due to the euro exchange rate and the fact that the companies did not make the discount they had promised, addressed the Health Minister by saying that "If pharmacists say no medicines, there are no medicines".

"COMPANIES ARE GIVING UP THE DISCOUNT THEY HAVE COMMITTED"

Ozcan mentioned that pharmacists no longer have the strength to endure.  On the grounds of high cost, pharmaceutical companies either do not bring the drugs they produce or import to our country at all or they give them to the market in quantities that never meet the needs of patients.  You don't listen to the bizi, so you had to raise 508 items again 2 months after your february hike. Mr. Secretary, if we pharmacists say no medicine, we don't. Again, in many drugs, manufacturers do not apply the discount they have committed to the state, and this burden is again placed on the patient's back. And the number of these drugs is increasing day by day. With each passing day, the number paid for the drug   is increasing. Even if you retire today, the price you will pay can be 40-50 liras with additional payments in your 100 lira prescription. Especially if you have to use the drug of a company that does not give discounts to the state."

"HEALTH IS NOT AN AREA WHERE YOU CAN SAVE MONEY"

Özcan mentioned that the sector has become a complete dump with the sale of uncontrolled medicines and vitamins on social media.  Pandemide volunteered to distribute masks, provided free delivery of flu vaccines to the public, supplied medicines for elderly and chronic patients who could not go to hospitals in the pandemic, and provided counseling. In recent months, many drugs, including baby dental gels, have been removed without reimbursement. So now you have access to these drugs if you can afford them. Devlet should save money, but health and medicine are not an area where you can save money.

"OUR PHARMACIES ARE UNABLE TO CARRY OUT THE STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE"

"For 13 years, pharmacists' barems calculated by ignoring inflation have driven many pharmacies into bankruptcy.  No organization in the world has been able to provide services at undecorated costs since 2009.  Today, more than half of our pharmacists are trapped in a credit-debt spiral to survive.   Terrible increases in expenses such as eels, staff salaries and rent due to inflation are crushing pharmacies like cylinders.

At this rate, our pharmacies will have to close one by one starting in the coming months. Our eczanes are at a point where they cannot carry out the struggle for existence."

"NOT TOMORROW TODAY, NOT LATER NOW"

"Pharmacists should no longer be ignored," Ozcan said. “Our 27,000 pharmacies, which serve around 1.5 million citizens every day with nearly 100,000 employees, have no chance of surviving in today's economic conditions. It's time to surrender the rights of our colleagues who serve without saying just daytime. Not tomorrow, not today, not later," he added. (EVRENSEL DAILY)