Woe to those with cancer in Isparta!

In Isparta, the radiotherapy device used in cancer treatment is available in only one state hospital. It is 13 years old and breaks down very frequently.

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The distortions in the healthcare system manifest themselves more clearly in smaller cities; such as the ordeal faced by cancer patients living in Isparta.

According to a report by Şevval Aydoğan from Cumhuriyet newspaper, the radiotherapy device (radiation therapy) most commonly used in the treatment of cancer patients is available in only one state hospital and one private hospital in the city. Patients who do not have the money to be treated at a private hospital are forced to first queue for the device at the Süleyman Demirel University Research and Application Hospital, and then wait for the device to 'be in the mood' to work.

We used the phrase 'be in the mood' because both devices located in the two hospitals are faulty. According to the claims of patients' relatives, the fact that the device in the only state hospital in the city is faulty delays the patients' treatments. A relative of a patient whose father is receiving treatment there said, “Patients living in Isparta, Burdur, and Afyonkarahisar all come to this hospital for treatment. For this reason, the device breaks down frequently and cannot provide service. The chief physician, however, does not sign the repair protocol for the device with the excuse that ‘there is no money in the revolving fund for repairs.’ Authorities, on the other hand, suggest that we go to other provinces for treatment.” Stating that the chief physician had the device repaired in recent weeks by saying ‘Let’s have it repaired one last time,’ but that it broke down again, the patient's relative stated that his cancer-stricken father's treatment was disrupted as a result. The patient's relative said, “The device must be fixed as soon as possible or a new one must be purchased. Most of these patients are elderly and have difficulty walking and climbing stairs. They tell the patients to go to other provinces, but they may not have acquaintances, a place to stay, or the financial means. In such diseases, one must race against time.”

CHIEF PHYSICIAN: WE ARE DIRECTING THEM TO OTHER PROVINCES

Süleyman Demirel University Research and Application Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Taylan Oksay responded to the allegations as follows: “Our devices are 13-year-old, old devices. We were operating the devices by taking approximately 50 patients a day. It is true that the devices are malfunctioning, but the allegations that we do not allow them to be repaired are not true. Finally, the company replaced the parts of the device and we made it operational. However, a malfunction occurred in another part of the device. A part order has been placed for that as well, and it is waiting at customs due to a deficiency in the TSE documents because it comes from abroad. We have also done our best regarding budget studies for the renewal of the devices. Currently, if necessary, we are directing our patients who can travel to other provinces by communicating with our colleagues in the surrounding provinces,” he said. Oksay also denied the allegations that he did not sign the repair protocol for the device by saying “There is no money in the revolving fund for repairs.”

News Source: 12punto