Ankara, April 28, 2026
Turkey’s Competition Authority of Turkey has launched a formal investigation into allegations of coordinated price increases and supply restrictions in the medical equipment sector.
According to an official statement, the Turkish Competition Board decided to open an inquiry targeting 29 manufacturers and distributors, along with four industry associations, operating in the fields of orthopedic and neurosurgical medical products.
Allegations of Collusion
The investigation focuses on claims that these companies acted jointly to:
- Increase prices of medical supplies
- Restrict supply to the market
- Prevent public procurement at regulated prices
Authorities suspect that firms may have coordinated pricing and limited product availability to enforce higher prices across both public and private hospitals.
Scope of the Probe
The probe covers a range of specialized medical products, including:
- Orthopedic and neurosurgical equipment
- Arthroplasty products (joint replacement systems)
- Arthroscopy devices (minimally invasive surgical tools)
Preliminary findings suggest that companies may have collectively determined prices and restricted supply quantities to ensure compliance with those prices.
Legal Context
The alleged practices could constitute violations of Turkey’s competition law, which prohibits agreements and coordinated actions that distort market competition.
However, officials emphasized that the launch of an investigation does not imply guilt. The process aims to determine whether the companies involved have breached competition regulations.
Broader Implications
If proven, the case could have significant consequences for the healthcare sector, particularly regarding:
- Access to affordable medical supplies
- Fair competition among suppliers
- Public healthcare procurement costs
The outcome of the investigation is expected to be closely monitored by both industry stakeholders and healthcare institutions.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök