The 'Digital Application' era begins for organ donations
According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the law has brought significant changes to areas ranging from organ donation to the pharmaceutical supply chain, from medical devices to misleading advertising, and from private healthcare institutions to the personal rights of physicians.
THE ERA OF "DIGITAL APPLICATION" IN ORGAN DONATION BEGINSThe amendment, approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, introduces a regulation that simplifies the organ donation process, prioritizes donor consent, and encourages organ donation. This regulation will make organ donation easier.
This arrangement is expected to bring hope to more than 25,000 patients waiting for kidney transplants, 2,500 patients waiting for liver transplants, and 1,500 patients waiting for heart transplants.
* One-Click Donations Available on e-Government: With the new regulation, citizens will be able to easily become organ donors through e-Government and quickly complete their transactions digitally. Donors will also be able to decide which relatives they want to share their organ donation with.
* The Donor's Will Will Be Considered: If a citizen decides to donate an organ while alive, their will will be considered valid after death. This will protect the donor's will and increase the hope of citizens waiting for an organ.
* Relatives of Organ Donors Will Be Given Priority: First-degree relatives of the donor whose organ has been transplanted will be given priority if they need an organ transplant.
Switching to an electronic approval system for medical proceduresWith the new regulation, consent from patients and their relatives for medical procedures and practices will be obtained electronically.
In this way, a more practical approval process will be implemented and convenience will be provided to patients and healthcare personnel, especially in emergency cases and in the provision of remote healthcare services.
DIGITAL TRACKING SYSTEM FOR ALL PROCESSES FROM MEDICINE PRODUCTION TO USECOMING: Every drug will be tracked through a tracking system, from production or import to its use in patient treatment. The Ministry of Health's control over the pharmaceutical supply chain will be strengthened.
With the same Tracking System (manufacturer/importer, pharmaceutical warehouse, pharmacy, hospital, reimbursement institution), stock controls and production and distribution planning of licensed drugs will be monitored.
Access to medicines will not be interrupted. New sanctions will be imposed on those who violate regulations.
A NEW ERA IN MEDICAL DEVICE INSPECTIONSWith the regulation regarding medical devices, only products that comply with the standards will be placed on the market, and administrative fines imposed on those who operate contrary to these standards will be made more severe.
A more rigorous monitoring process is being implemented regarding the promotional and informational activities of private healthcare institutions. Those who seek to exploit the hope of recovery of patients through misleading and deceptive advertising and promotion, and thereby gain commercial gain, will be denied access.
MEDICAL CANNABIS PRODUCT MARKET SIZE: $55 BILLION IN 2027New regulations are being implemented regarding the production and use of medical cannabis. Aiming to protect public health, prevent illicit use, and reduce external dependency, the regulation oversees the entire process from production to sales, while also ensuring the use of medical cannabis in healthcare and adding value to the economy.
Under the new regulation, the production and sale of cannabis-derived medicines, foods for special medical purposes, and personal care products will be subject to strict regulations. Licensing and monitoring of medicinal cannabis products will be carried out solely by the Ministry of Health. These products will be available only in pharmacies with a prescription. A sustainable and controlled production model will simultaneously support "domestic production in healthcare" and "global expansion."
Medical cannabis products will add value to the economy. The medical cannabis market is expected to reach $55 billion by 2027. Turkey, with its climate advantages, strong agricultural infrastructure, and geographical location, is on its way to becoming a major supply hub in this rapidly growing market. The regulation will reduce import dependency, encourage export-oriented production, and significantly contribute to the national economy.
WORKING PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICIANS IN PRIVATE HEALTH INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEEN RE-ORGANIZEDThe new regulation will allow physicians working in private hospitals to provide services at two healthcare institutions. The earnings of physicians working in private hospitals will be reflected in their severance pay and retirement benefits. (The compliance process will be completed by June 1, 2026.)
THE WAY FOR EMPLOYMENT WILL BE OPENED“Nuclear Medicine Technician” and “Dental Prosthesis Technician” will be included among the health professions and employment will be provided.
The titles of "Midwife Assistant" and "Nurse Assistant," which previously had no permanent positions, will be combined under the name "Health Care Technician," paving the way for employment in this field.
The new regulation will allow opticians to carry out the activities of the professional organization of the Turkish Opticians-Opticians Association.
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