The Contribution of State Hospitals to Health Services in Turkey
The greatest contribution of state hospitals is ensuring equal access to healthcare services even in the most remote corners of the country. All citizens covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK) and foreigners with legal residence permits can receive services at these hospitals at low cost or free of charge.
- Low Cost: Since most of the examination and treatment services are covered by the SSI, patients pay only a nominal co-payment.
- Widespread Network: From the giant City Hospitals in metropolitan areas to the State Hospitals in small districts, it spreads over a wide geographical area and brings services to the people.
2. Center for Advanced Technology and Expertise
Large Teaching and Research Hospitals and the modern City Hospitals opened in recent years not only provide basic healthcare services, but also:
- Advanced Technology: Equipped with the latest medical devices, imaging (MRI, CT) and laboratory systems.
- Complex Treatments: Reduces the need for citizens to travel abroad by providing tertiary and advanced specialized services such as cancer treatment (Oncology), organ transplantation, cardiovascular surgery.
- Education Center: Trains new doctors, specialists and health professionals in collaboration with medical faculties.
3. Emergency and Crisis Management
Public hospital emergency departments are the first and most critical intervention points of the health system.
- 7/24 Uninterrupted Service: Emergency services are obliged to provide free service to all life-threatening patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of any insurance or payment conditions.
- Community Health and Crisis Management: In crisis situations such as epidemics, natural disasters (earthquakes, floods) and mass accidents, the entire organization and treatment burden is undertaken by State Hospitals.
Contribution to International Patients
State hospitals have established special units to meet the health needs of foreign nationals:
- Tourism Health Units: These units, established in tourist areas and International Patient Offices in major cities, facilitate access to health care by providing foreigners with English interpretation and assistance with bureaucratic procedures.
- General Health Insurance (GHI) Coverage: International students and other foreigners who obtain a legal residence permit in Turkey and pay GHI premiums have access to comprehensive and affordable treatment at public hospitals.
Primary Health Services Provided in State Hospitals
State hospitals meet the health needs of the community by providing a variety of health services. These services include:
- Emergency Services: Emergency services, which offer rapid intervention in emergencies, have life-saving importance.
- Polyclinic Services: Polyclinic services, which are offered to examine patients and initiate treatment processes, are provided by specialist doctors in various branches.
- Operative and Surgical Services: It solves the health problems of patients by offering surgical intervention when necessary.
- Laboratory and Radiology Services: Laboratory tests and radiological imaging services, which play an important role in diagnostic processes, help to evaluate the health status of patients.
- Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Services: rehabilitation and physiotherapy services, which support patients in their recovery process, help restore physical function.
What are Health Services in Turkey?
Health services in Turkey are provided by the public and private sectors. Public health services are provided through state hospitals and health centers, while private health services are provided by private hospitals and clinics. Health services in Turkey can be broadly categorized as follows:
- Primary Health Services: Primary health care services provided through family medicine and health centers.
- Secondary Health Services: Specialized health services provided in public hospitals.
- Tertiary Health Services: Advanced treatment and surgical services offered in private hospitals.
Medical Supports That Can Be Obtained In State Hospitals
Public hospitals offer a range of medical support services to patients. These services include:
- Medication Supply: The medicines that patients need during the treatment process can be obtained in public hospitals.
- Medical Supplies and Equipment: Medical supplies and devices required for surgery and treatment are provided in public hospitals.
- Psychological Support: Patients’ psychological conditions are evaluated and psychological support services are provided when necessary.
What is the Difference Between City Hospitals and State Hospitals?
City hospitals are modern healthcare facilities built to improve the quality of healthcare in Turkey. The main differences between public hospitals and city hospitals are:
- Infrastructure and Technology: City hospitals are modern facilities equipped with the latest technology. Public hospitals can often have older infrastructure.
- Service Capacity: City hospitals have more patient capacity and offer a wider range of health services.
- Specialty Areas: By offering more facilities in certain specialties, city hospitals can better respond to the needs of patients.
Health Services in Turkey for Students Studying Abroad
Turkish students studying abroad can benefit from public hospitals if they wish to use health services in Turkey. These students can benefit from the following health services upon their return to Turkey:
- Emergency Services: Emergency services for health problems that occur while studying abroad.
- Examination and Treatment: Examination and treatment processes needed while in Turkey.
- Psychological Support: Psychological support services for stress and adjustment problems experienced abroad.
State hospitals in Turkey play a critical role in the delivery of health services. They respond to the needs of citizens, both in emergencies and in routine health care, and contribute to the health care system by collaborating with health education institutions.
The diversity of healthcare services in Turkey is illustrated by the basic healthcare services offered in public hospitals, medical support and the differences with city hospitals. Health services in Turkey also constitute an important support mechanism for students studying abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can benefit from health services in Turkey?
Turkish citizens, Turkish citizens living abroad and international students can benefit from health services in Turkey.
How does the treatment process work in public hospitals?
The treatment process in public hospitals begins with an examination of the patient. When necessary, tests are performed and a treatment plan is created.
How to procure medicines in public hospitals
Drugs prescribed by a doctor during treatment in public hospitals can be obtained from the hospital pharmacy.
Is health care in Turkey free?
Health services in public hospitals are generally covered by the state, so no specific fee is charged. However, those who want to receive services in private hospitals have to pay a certain fee.
How can Turkish students studying abroad benefit from health services in Turkey?
Turkish students studying abroad can benefit from public hospitals when they return to Turkey. They can access health services in case of emergencies and medical examination needs.