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Türkiye: Access to medicines

In leukaemia treatment medicines must arrive on time. This chapter explains how medicines are obtained and paid for in Türkiye, and how they are imported from abroad.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, a pharmacy shelf under a soft green cross.
Figure 1.Medicines must arrive on time.

01Short answer

In Türkiye medicines are licensed by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK), and SGK pays for medicines on its reimbursement list. Leukaemia medicines are often dispensed by the hospital pharmacy or by a pharmacy on the basis of a medical report. Medicines not licensed in Türkiye, or not produced or imported, can be obtained through the “medicine supply from abroad” system: under a protocol between SGK and the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association (TEB), this is handled by TEB and SGK’s İbn-i Sina centre in Ankara. Some medicines need TİTCK approval for off-label use.

02Simple explanation

TİTCK licenses medicines.

SGK pays for listed medicines.

TEB imports from abroad when needed.

03Scientific explanation

Import: according to SGK, unlicensed or unavailable medicines are supplied under the SGK–TEB protocol through TEB and the İbn-i Sina Health Social Security Centre.

Documents: TEB’s patient page says that if SGK is paying, an e-report and e-prescription are required; TİTCK approval, a pathology report or a discharge summary may also be requested.

04What happens in the body?

The usual route

The haematologist prescribes, a health board report is prepared if needed, and the medicine is collected from a pharmacy or the hospital.

On a dark navy background, a prescription and a medical report side by side.
Figure 3.A prescription and a report are needed.

Medicine from abroad

You can apply to TEB’s offices in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana, through your local pharmacy, or online. If SGK does not pay, you can order at your own cost.

On a dark navy background, a parcel and an arc of light like a flight route over a globe.
Figure 2.When needed, medicines are imported.

If there is a shortage

Tell your doctor and pharmacist at once; they will look for an alternative or an import route.

05Access to medicines in four steps

From prescription to home.

Prescription — The doctor issues an e-prescription.1PrescriptionThe doctor issues an e-prescription.
Report — A health board report.2ReportA health board report.
Application — Pharmacy or TEB.3ApplicationPharmacy or TEB.
Delivery — The medicine reaches you.4DeliveryThe medicine reaches you.
ContinuityTreatment does not stop.
PaymentSGK may cover the cost.
SafetyAn official channel.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The usual routeThe haematologist prescribes, a health board report is prepared if needed, and the medicine is collected from a pharmacy or the hospital.
Medicine from abroadYou can apply to TEB’s offices in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana, through your local pharmacy, or online. If SGK does not pay, you can order at your own cost.
If there is a shortageTell your doctor and pharmacist at once; they will look for an alternative or an import route.

07Key terms

TİTCK
Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency.
TEB
Turkish Pharmacists’ Association.
Sağlık kurulu raporu
Health board report.
Endikasyon dışı
Off-label use.

08Key points

  • TİTCK licenses.
  • SGK pays.
  • TEB imports.
  • Report and e-prescription matter.
  • Never stop a medicine yourself.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I buy medicines online?

No; there is a risk of fakes. Official channels only.

How long does import take?

It depends on the medicine and documents; plan ahead with your doctor and TEB.

Can foreign patients apply to TEB?

It depends on insurance status; ask the hospital’s international office.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I buy medicines online?

  2. How long does import take?

  3. Can foreign patients apply to TEB?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Türkiye İlaç ve Tıbbi Cihaz Kurumu (TİTCK). Official website (in Turkish)
  2. Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK). Yurt dışından ilaç temini (in Turkish)
  3. Türk Eczacıları Birliği (TEB). Yurt dışından ilaç temini: hasta başvurusu (in Turkish)
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Drugs Approved for Leukemia
  5. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines
  6. ESMO. ESMO Patient Guides
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer — fact sheet
  8. Leukaemia Care (UK). Leukaemia Care — information and support
  9. FoodSafety.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). People at Risk: Those with Weakened Immune Systems
  10. American Red Cross. Blood Types Explained – A, B, AB and O
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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