Good news for thousands of individuals and families! SGK has added it to its scope.
The modulator drug, which significantly improves the quality of life of cystic fibrosis patients in Türkiye, was included in the reimbursement scope of the Social Security Institution (SGK) with the decision published in the Official Gazette on July 10.
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic and life-threatening disease that causes serious damage to many organs, especially the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver and digestive system, has entered a new phase with the development of modulator drugs, where the disease can now be treated at its root.
The Cystic Fibrosis Association (Kifder) has been conducting an intensive advocacy campaign to ensure the drug reaches patients in Türkiye since 2019. During this process, the association held direct meetings with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Finance, Social Security Institution (SGK), and TEB (Turkish Electricity and Sewerage Administration) and made numerous appeals through events, runs, activities, and social media posts.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK"Regarding the issue, Kifder Board Chair İlknur Görgün said:
*This decision has been a great source of hope for thousands of individuals with cystic fibrosis and their families. The campaigns, lawsuits, and faith we've led together for years have borne their greatest fruit. The litigation process was Kifder's advocacy path to access medication. Our goal was to ensure access to medication with government guarantees.
*We have progressed this journey in collaboration with all stakeholders. Our families, our heroes with cystic fibrosis who are with us today and those who are not, doctors, nurses, print and visual media, ministries, other NGOs, lawyers, companies, volunteers, supporters, and especially our members of parliament, with whom we have worked so closely over the last two years and who have been unwavering in their support, have all become a part of our extended family.
*We couldn't have succeeded if one of them were missing. We can't thank everyone enough. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor, and the Ministry of Finance for this decision. As Kifder, we welcome this historic achievement with great joy. We remind our patients who are not suitable for mutation medication to continue their routine treatment without despair. We would like to inform you that new mutations will be added to the list in the near future. We will continue to work with the same solidarity and diligence until a definitive cure is available.
The triple mutation drug, a modulator that targets mutations in the CFTR gene, has been scientifically proven in clinical trials to significantly improve patients' respiratory function, reduce infection rates, and significantly increase both life expectancy and quality of life. Thanks to this decision, cystic fibrosis patients in Türkiye now have equal and sustainable access to a treatment that addresses the root cause of the disease and directly impacts their lives.
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