The Cyprus Turkish Medical Association refused to recognize specializations without its approval

The Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (CTMA) stated on January 16, 2026, that it will not allow medical and dental specialization programs to be conducted in Northern Cyprus without its approval and will not recognize the relevant documents if the proposed bill on the Department of Health is adopted in its current form.

In a written statement, the CTMA board noted that the provision on a centralized examination for entry into residency programs has been removed from the draft text. The association claims that its opinions, warnings, and scientific objections were ignored during parliamentary discussions of the bill, and that pressure was exerted on the Committee on Administrative, Public, and Health Affairs.

The CTMA warned that it will not recognize specializations obtained without its consent and intends to use all legal means, including court action. The association also placed responsibility for any possible consequences on Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek, as well as on members of parliament from both the ruling coalition and the opposition.

The statement emphasizes that the decision is aimed at protecting medical ethics and public health; the association notes that the right to health is not a commodity and requires adherence to professional standards.