The healthcare system in Turkiye has undergone major reforms in the 21st century, improving access to healthcare services, quality of medical facilities, and ensuring almost universal health insurance coverage. The Turkish Ministry of Health, private medical facilities, and university hospitals contribute to the healthcare system that provides public and private care.
The Social Security Institution of Turkiye (SGK) is responsible for administering comprehensive health insurance. The state covers a large proportion of health expenses, with patients paying a small share of the cost.
General examination costs in Turkiye are generally reasonable and widely accessible, ranging between 150-200 TL.
According to World Bank data in 2019, the number of hospital beds per 1,000 people in Turkiye is about 2.8, which places Turkiye among the top 50 countries globally.
What is the healthcare system in Turkiye?
The healthcare system in Turkiye has undergone a major transformation in the 21st century with the introduction of the “Health Transformation Programme”. The program aims to improve equitable access to health services, improve the quality of health care, and improve financial protection. The main result of this reform was the universal health insurance system covering all Turkish citizens.
The average length of hospital stay in Turkiye is about 4 days. The majority of health services are provided by public institutions, with private healthcare facilities also playing a role. As of 2018, 98% of the Turkish population is covered by health insurance.
In 2018, profits from the Turkish health sector amounted to approximately 162 billion Turkish liras, equivalent to 4.5 percent of Turkiye's GDP, and approximately 1,983 Turkish liras per capita. According to World Bank data, Turkiye's healthcare system is mainly funded by public funds with a small percentage funded by the private sector. As of 2019, Turkiye ranked 50th in the world in terms of life expectancy.
What are the duties of the Turkish Ministry of Health?
Among the duties of the Turkish Ministry of Health are the following:
- The Turkish Ministry of Health is responsible for implementing healthcare policies and ensuring that health services are available and of high quality.
- It is responsible for protecting public health and promoting healthy behavior.
- The Ministry supervises the training of medical personnel and the organization of medical professions.
- It is also responsible for inspecting health institutions and employees.
- Coordinates efforts in preventive health care services and manages public health programs.
- The Ministry plays a role in controlling infectious diseases and managing health emergencies.
- It also regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of medicines and medical devices in the country.
Who is the Turkish Minister of Health?
As of May 2023, the current Minister of Health of Turkiye is Dr. Fahrettin Koca, who has held this position since July 2018.
What are the Turkish health insurance companies?
There are many health insurance companies in Turkiye that offer a range of insurance products. The most notable are Anadolu Sigorta, AXA Sigorta, Allianz Sigorta, and Mapfre Sigorta.
What are the prices of Turkish health insurance?
The cost of health insurance in Turkiye can vary greatly depending on the extent of coverage, age, and health condition of the insured and the insurance company. On average, a comprehensive health insurance plan can range from 1,500 TL to 5,000 TL per year.
How to get health insurance for Turkish students?
Students who study in Turkiye and are not covered by any other insurance can apply for health insurance provided by the Social Security Institution (SGK). They can apply online through the SGK website or in person at the SGK office.
What are the healthcare institutions in Turkiye?
Healthcare in Turkiye is mainly provided by the Ministry of Health, university hospitals, and private hospitals. There are also many clinics, polyclinics, and specialized health institutions that provide outpatient care.
How many hospitals are there in Turkiye?
As of 2020, there are approximately 1,600 hospitals in Turkiye. This includes public, university, and private hospitals.
Is there a private hospital in Turkiye?
Yes, there are many private hospitals in Turkiye that provide high-quality healthcare services. It is especially widespread in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and many Turkish cities.
Is English spoken in Turkish hospitals?
In many private and university hospitals in major cities and tourist areas, English is commonly spoken. However, in public hospitals and in rural areas, English may not be widely spoken.
How are home health care services in Turkiye?
Home health care services in Turkiye have developed rapidly in recent years. These services, provided by public and private institutions, include nursing care, physical therapy, and palliative care.
What is the contact number for emergencies in Turkiye?
The emergency number for medical services in Turkiye is 112.
How many health workers are there in Turkiye?
As of 2020, there are more than 900,000 health personnel in Turkiye, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and other health professionals.
What are the employment opportunities for health workers in Turkiye?
There are many opportunities for health workers in Turkiye. The Ministry of Health regularly announces job vacancies in public hospitals and clinics. In addition, there are opportunities in private hospitals, university hospitals, and other healthcare institutions. Turkiye also attracts foreign health professionals because of its rapidly improving healthcare system.
What is the salary of health workers in Turkiye?
Salaries for health workers in Turkiye can vary greatly depending on specialty, location, and whether they work in a public or private institution. On average, doctors' salaries start from 20,000 TL per month.
Where are Turkish healthcare jobs posted?
Turkish healthcare jobs can be posted on many online job platforms such as Kariyer.net, Indeed, and LinkedIn. In addition, the Ministry of Health and various healthcare institutions publish job vacancies on their official websites.
How is medical tourism in Turkiye?
Turkiye is a popular destination for medical and medical tourism due to its high-quality healthcare services, advanced medical technology, and reasonable prices. Turkiye attracts patients from all over the world for a range of treatments including plastic surgery, dental care, fertility treatments, eye surgery, and more.
What are the health departments in Turkish universities?
Turkish universities offer a wide range of health-related programs. Some of the major health departments in Turkish universities include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and nutrition and dietetics. In addition, there are many graduate programs and research opportunities in health care.
Thus, the healthcare system in Turkiye, through its continuous development, aims to provide high-quality healthcare services to all its residents and visitors alike.
