Ministry of Health: dialogue with the Union of Independent Practicing Physicians has moved to concrete steps

The Minister of Health of the TRNC, Dr. Hakan Dinçyürek, stated that the Ministry of Health is an institution for all doctors — both those working in the public and private sectors. According to him, the long-standing constructive dialogue with the Union of Independent Practicing Physicians has begun to yield concrete results.

The minister reported that he responded to the Union’s open appeal and invited its representatives to a meeting, which he described as productive. During the talks, joint steps aimed at facilitating patients’ access to medical services across the island were discussed. Dinçyürek thanked the Union and its chairman, Remzi Gardiyanoğlu, for their constructive approach.

“Compromise begins with compliance with the law and acceptance of oversight”

The head of the Ministry of Health emphasized that the ministry’s position on compromise in the healthcare sector remains clear: without compliance with legislation and acceptance of control mechanisms, reaching agreement is impossible. He called on doctors who conscientiously perform their duties to act responsibly and with understanding.

Touching on the issue of doctors’ incomes discussed in society, Dinçyürek noted that in the public sector, physicians working under two different laws may receive a combined monthly income ranging from 714,000 to 719,000 Turkish lira. According to him, these amounts are lawfully earned by doctors who strictly adhere to their work schedules and fully perform their duties.

The minister reiterated that with compliance with the law, labor discipline, and acceptance of inspections, all issues related to working conditions and social rights can be discussed at the negotiating table.

Gardiyanoğlu: “We took responsibility so that the population would not suffer”

The chairman of the Union of Independent Practicing Physicians, Remzi Gardiyanoğlu, stated that the healthcare system is going through a difficult period. He recalled that the Union, founded in 1976, represents a significant part of the country’s medical community.

According to him, the appeal to the minister was driven by the desire to protect public health and prevent harm to patients. Gardiyanoğlu also noted that the Union had previously supported the Ministry of Health during challenging periods.