Prime Minister Ünal Üstel visited the Pembe Köşk Psychiatric Hospital in Lapta, a facility specializing in addiction treatment.
Accompanied by Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek, Üstel toured the hospital and received a briefing on its operations.
During his visit, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completing key public projects and enhancing healthcare in 2025. He emphasized that combating addiction remains a top priority.
Hospital Director Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çakıcı highlighted the country’s long-standing efforts against drug addiction, noting that the first scientific study was conducted in 1996.
He praised recent progress, including the establishment of a 16-bed AMATEM centre at Barış Psychiatric State Hospital, raising the nationwide treatment capacity to 40 beds.
He also noted that Pembe Köşk is now the largest addiction treatment hospital in the TRNC and Türkiye.
Health Minister Hakan Dinçyürek outlined the government’s addiction strategy, starting with a protocol to transfer state hospital patients to Pembe Köşk.
He stressed the importance of completing the AMATEM building, with ₺70m Turkish lira allocated in the 2025 budget.
Üstel reiterated his government’s focus on unfinished projects and upcoming healthcare initiatives, including new clinics and hospitals. Expressing concern over rising addiction rates, he underscored the need for preventive measures and treatment centres.
He also highlighted the significance of Pembe Köşk’s growth and reaffirmed plans to complete the AMATEM facility through public-private collaboration.
