Buying Insulin in Istanbul

I use a fast-acting insulin since I use an insulin pump.  In most of the pharmacies around town, they only had this form in a pen.  I need it in a vial so I can refill my pump.  I had to ask around to find it - a guy working at my guesthouse recommended a clinic.  They didn't have it, but they recommended a pharmacy near the university.  When I got there, they had to order the vials, but they would arrive in two days.  In the meantime, he gave me an insulin pen for FREE (with the correct type of insulin, just not as a vial....  so I did use this for my bolus.  Insulin pens in the US are about $100 each with no insurance, and the pharmacist here gave it to me for free because he felt bad that they had to order the vials).  I went back two days later, and picked up four vials of insulin for $12.50 (US dollars) each.  With no insurance and with no prescription.  In the US, a prescription is required, and with no insurance, they are $300 each.  I understand that the insulin would be free for Turkish citizens since they have universal health care.  However, I did meet someone later with a child with type 1 diabetes, and with the language barrier, I'm not sure if his son is not using a pump, or if he is not using a continuous sensor because of the cost. 
So, from what I can see, the basic need - insulin - is more affordable (free) for Turkish people as the price is not controlled by a pact of insulin manufacturers as in the US and healthcare is not tied to your employment status.  However, more advanced diabetes technology may be more difficult to obtain than in the US (although it is really only available to insured patients in the US).  Also, it seems the logistics are better in the US, as Novolog and Humalog (fast acting insulins) are pretty typical and can be found at any pharmacy instead of relying on specialized pharmacies near a university.