Health Minister Hakan Dinçürek considers the use of digital cards for tracking doctors’ attendance acceptable

On February 8, 2026, in Northern Cyprus, Health Minister Hakan Dinçürek commented on social media regarding the implementation of full working hours in healthcare and the time-tracking system using digital cards.

Dinçürek described the planned reform as structural, aimed at improving the quality of medical services, strengthening accessibility in public hospitals, and ensuring timely and equal access to healthcare for citizens.

He emphasized that the measure is not intended to discredit doctors but to create a more organized, predictable, and sustainable work system. The minister posed a rhetorical question: "What harm is there if a doctor, performing their duties, uses a digital card when entering and leaving?" He also stressed that ignoring those who do not comply with the system is unacceptable.

Dinçürek stated that the number of doctors supporting the principle of full working hours is higher than represented publicly and questioned how representative TIP-İŞ statements are for the entire medical community.

The minister noted that doctors’ opinions are taken into account through direct contact and feedback from field practice. He acknowledged comments from municipal leaders, including Girne's Murat Şenkul, but emphasized that health policy must be formed with national responsibility.

Dinçürek underlined his intention to implement the reform without confrontation and without harming the public, prioritizing the public interest and improved patient care.