01.06.2025 09:50
The citizens' grievances regarding smart drugs used in cancer treatment prompted President Erdoğan to take action. Citing TOGG, UAV, and armed UAV models as examples, President Erdoğan stated, "If we can produce these, we can also produce our smart drugs ourselves. Let's move quickly on this matter."
President Erdoğan instructed all relevant ministers to produce smart drugs that are imported from abroad and not covered by SGK in Turkey.
GRIEVANCES REPORTED
According to a report by Yücel Kayaoğlu from Türkiye Gazetesi, grievances regarding smart drugs used in cancer treatment, which are among the most pressing issues faced by citizens in the health sector, were conveyed to President Erdoğan.
DRUG PRICESI REACH UP TO 2 MILLION LIRA
Currently, cancer patients can only access smart drugs imported from abroad by paying out of their own pockets. The prices of these drugs, used in cancer treatment and immunotherapy-based treatment methods, range from 100 thousand lira to 2 million lira, depending on the quality of the drug used. As the duration of treatment extends, the costs also increase.
CITIZENS FACE GRIEVANCES DUE TO COURT PROCESSES
For example, the cost of a 12-cycle smart drug can reach up to 2.2 million lira. Due to the high cost of these drugs, which are not on SGK's payment list, patients are forced to seek legal recourse to claim their rights. Many individuals face grievances because court processes take at least 2 years.
"IF TOGG CAN DO IT, WE CAN PRODUCE OUR SMART DRUGS TOO"
In response to the grievances experienced by citizens, the President stated, "It seems that we will have to produce our own smart drugs. If we can make TOGG, UAVs, and SİHAs, we can also produce our smart drugs ourselves. Let's act quickly on this matter. Let's initiate studies by providing all kinds of resources and R&D support. Additionally, let's take steps to address the current grievances." Erdoğan instructed Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç and Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan to address the court processes and existing grievances. He also requested other relevant ministers to take immediate action regarding the production of domestic smart cancer drugs.