Orthopedics and neurosurgery operations stop, some hospitals do not even have serum

After medical device suppliers failed to receive their accumulated collections (monies) for 18 months (on top of the prevailing currency crisis) the sales of materials in the field of orthopedics and neurosurgery has stopped. This, in turn, led to the cessation of operations in these two areas in some hospitals. On the other hand, some hospitals cannot find serum kits for patients hospitalized in intensive care. It was pointed out that the crisis could also spread to bowel and stomach surgeries.

Speaking to the media, the second president of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Assoc. Dr. Ali Ihsan Ökten, drew attention to the fact that the shortage in surgeries had spread throughout the country as a result of the inability to supply medical supplies received from medical companies.

He said, “With a joint decision taken by health industrialists, we have been unable to supply medical supplies that we have received from medical companies since December 6. Surgeries, especially in the field of neurosurgery and orthopedics, including emergency surgeries, cannot be performed.”

He went on to say, “This is a very serious situation. When a spinal fracture occurs, we need to operate immediately, or when a fracture case comes to orthopedics, we also need screws, sinkers, etc. from medical supplies immediately. We are currently unable to perform these surgeries. This is a situation that has a very negative impact on the health of patients. As it concerns public health, it should also be resolved urgently. Otherwise, patients will be unnecessarily harmed.”