TRNC Doctors’ Union calls for removal of barriers to healthcare access for people with disabilities

On 3 December, the Turkish Cypriot Doctors’ Union (KTTB) stated that infrastructure and healthcare organization issues hinder access for people with disabilities in Northern Cyprus. The statement was made on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by the union’s chairman, Ceyhun Dalkan.

According to Dalkan, the fragmented system affects everyone, but people with disabilities face the greatest difficulties. Barriers include insufficient accessibility in medical facilities, as well as imperfect systems for appointments, routing, and patient assistance. In addition, transportation and urban planning are not oriented to the needs of this category of citizens.

KTTB called for mandatory accessibility standards in medical infrastructure; prioritization of people with disabilities in transport and urban planning; creation of professional support mechanisms; training of medical staff in communication with patients with disabilities; and improved accessibility of appointment, referral, and complaint systems.

The statement emphasized that the right to health is constitutional and universal and must be ensured by the state. The union confirmed its readiness to defend the rights of people with disabilities to medical care and other basic rights. The proposed measures aim to improve the accessibility of healthcare services for residents with limited mobility and special needs.