19.10.2026 11:14
Starting January 1, 2027, paper package inserts will no longer be included in medicine boxes, except for exceptions such as vaccines; the instructions for use will be accessible via QR code. Nurten Saydan, President of the All Pharmacist Employers' Union (TEİS), stated that the practice could victimize elderly patients and those with limited digital access, and called for the printed and digital methods to be maintained together.
(ANKARA) - Nurten Saydan, Chairperson of the All Pharmacist Employers' Union (TEİS), stated that removing printed instructions for use from medicine boxes and switching to a digital system, except for products within the exemption scope, could create problems, especially for elderly patients and those with limited digital access. Saydan said, "As TEİS, we advocate that instead of completely removing printed leaflets, a system in which both methods can be used together should be maintained."
STARTING JANUARY 1, 2027, NO PAPER WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE BOX
Starting January 1, 2027, except for products within the exemption scope, paper patient information leaflets will no longer be included in medicine boxes. Citizens will be able to access information such as how the medicine is used, its dosage, and side effects electronically by scanning the QR code on the outer packaging with their mobile phones. For certain special medicines such as vaccines and radiopharmaceutical (hospital group) products, the paper leaflet practice will continue physically.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE QR CODE DOES NOT WORK?
TEİS Chairperson Pharmacist Nurten Saydan drew attention to the fact that completely abolishing the leaflet system could create new grievances, especially for elderly patients and those with limited digital access. Saydan said, "Access to medicine information should not be a privilege of those who have a smartphone and internet. Developments in the field of health achieve success when all segments of society can benefit from these opportunities equally. Therefore, instead of completely removing printed instructions for use, a model should be adopted in which digital and printed options are offered together and patients can choose according to their needs. If there is no printed leaflet in the medicine box and the electronic instructions for use cannot be accessed via the QR code, citizens will reportedly need to contact the company that holds the marketing authorization for the medicine. How will citizens reach companies that even pharmacists often have difficulty reaching?"
CITIZENS ARE ASKING WHETHER IT IS A COUNTERFEIT MEDICINE
Stating that removing printed leaflets will affect patients' access to medicine information as well as counseling processes in pharmacies, Saydan said, "When no leaflet comes out of the medicine box, patients apply to pharmacists and are faced with questions such as 'Why did no leaflet come out of the medicine?' Citizens even ask, 'No paper came out; could the medicine be counterfeit?' Our pharmaceutical companies put this innovation into practice right away and left patients and us face to face."
In his statement, Saydan also said: "As TEİS, we value the opportunities provided by digitalization in healthcare, but we believe that completely removing printed leaflets may lead to new problems in terms of public health and patient safety. For the correct, safe, and conscious use of medicines, it is of great importance that patients can easily access information such as how the medicine is used, its side effects, and storage conditions. If access to this information is made dependent solely on conditions such as having a smartphone, an internet connection, and digital literacy, serious problems may arise for some segments of society.
In particular, elderly citizens, patients who have difficulty using technology, and low-income citizens who do not have a smartphone or regular internet access may be negatively affected by this change. People living in rural areas where internet infrastructure is inadequate, as well as citizens who lose access to electricity and communication infrastructure during earthquakes, floods, and similar disasters, may also experience difficulties in reaching medicine information. Having a printed source that can be consulted without the need for any technological device is important for patients to be able to make decisions about their own health safely.
THERE SHOULD BE BOTH A LEAFLET AND A QR CODE
We call on the TİTCK to reevaluate the regulation concerning the digital leaflet application within the framework of public health and equal access principles. As TEİS, we advocate that instead of completely removing printed leaflets, a system in which both methods can be used together should be maintained. Thus, while patients who can access technology benefit from digital information, citizens who do not have this opportunity can continue to access medicine information directly."