Minister Memişoğlu announces: Medical cannabis to be used by prescription for 15 diseases

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu announced that the congestion in the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS) has decreased significantly and that the system is now operating more effectively. Emphasizing that with the new practices, citizens are being offered referrals to family physicians, but that this is not mandatory, Memişoğlu also announced that medical cannabis will be used in a controlled manner for 15 diseases in light of scientific data.

In his assessment, Memişoğlu stated, "Our citizens continue to be able to make appointments for the specialty of their choice. When a suitable appointment cannot be found, a referral to a family physician is suggested; this is absolutely not mandatory." Arguing that the system has been made more flexible, Memişoğlu stated that the number of pending appointments, which was around 4 million in July 2024, has dropped to 800,000.

The Minister of Health said that same-day appointments can be provided in 72 different specialties across all 81 provinces in Turkey, and that this situation has positively affected access to healthcare services.

According to a report by the pro-government newspaper Türkiye Gazetesi, it was stated that the average population per family physician is 3,040, and that there is a plan to reduce this figure to 2,500 by the end of 2028.

Announcing that 4,976,996 people have been diagnosed in the new period, Memişoğlu said, "Alternative practices such as acupuncture and phytotherapy can be offered at family health centers outside of working hours." he stated. He also added that integration has been strengthened by establishing more effective communication between hospitals and family physicians.

Drawing attention to the unconscious use of medication, Memişoğlu reminded that approximately 700,000 people lose their lives every year due to infections linked to antibiotic resistance. “We are teaching both physicians and citizens how to use the right medication at the right dose and for the right duration. We have achieved a significant decrease in the unnecessary use of antibiotics, painkillers, and stomach protectors” he said.

MEDICAL CANNABIS TO BE USED FOR 15 DISEASES

One of Minister Memişoğlu's most notable statements concerned the controlled use of medical cannabis. He stated that medical cannabis has begun to be used as a supportive treatment for a total of 15 different conditions, including neurological diseases, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, acne, nausea, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, certain heart conditions, and dyskinesia.

He declared, "Medical cannabis products, which have no risk of addiction, have been formulated into medication, and are used under physician supervision, will only be available in pharmacies with Ministry of Health approval and by prescription."