Istanbul has doctor shortage

The problems of cancer treatment in Istanbul were discussed at a meeting of the provincial health directorate, held to commemorate World Cancer Day on Feb. 4. It was suggested that the number of oncologists in Turkey must be increased from the current 300 to 700.

Mehmet Bakar, the provincial health directorate director, said, "The number of oncologists at the centers operated by the Health Ministry is not enough. We are suffering the consequences of neglect from raising specialists for lateral branches in previous years."

Professor Mustafa Yaylacı, chief of the oncology clinic at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, said surgeons and radiation oncologists were trying to fill the gap caused by the lack of oncologists. Yaylacı said at present an oncologist treats 50 to 60 patients each day.