Country of origin information report Turkey March 2007

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25.05 As reported in the letter from the British Embassy in Ankara to the Home Office dated 11 April 2006 “AKP contacts recently told the Embassy that the government would shortly pass two critical pieces of legislation regarding the health and social security system. One would bring three separate social security institutions under a single roof and the other would introduce general health insurance and a GP system in Turkey. These two pieces of legislation were cleared through the Parliamentary Committee stages in March 2006.” [4m]

25.06 The US State Department’s Consular Information Sheet on Turkey dated 3 August 2006 and current at 04 October 2006, stated:
“Turkish hospitals vary greatly. The new, private hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul have modern facilities and equipment, and numerous U.S.-trained specialists, but still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions. Those planning to remain in Turkey should consider bringing a six-month supply of necessary chronic medications (e.g., heart medications, birth control pills). Nursing care and diagnostic testing (including mammograms) are not up to American standards. Health care standards are lower in small cities in Turkey in comparison to bigger cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana.” [5f]
25.07 The Emergency Medicine in Turkey website last updated on 14 June 2006 noted that:
“More than 5000 public health care clinics are located in cities and villages around the country. Many people visit one of these or a pharmacist directly, for care of simple illnesses. If a person obtains a certificate from the neighborhood representative, he or she can receive free health care from government hospitals. Most of the almost 1300 hospitals belong to the government and are known as government hospitals, social insurance hospitals, or university hospitals. Persons are bound to receive care at one type of hospital on the basis of their health insurance type; however, approximately one third of the population has no health insurance. Recent efforts have been started to centralize the care given by the government and social insurance hospitals. The government is required by law to only provide primary medical care to Turkish citizens in the government hospitals.” [59] (EMedicine)
Pharmacies
25.08 The Middle East Expats Online Community Resources & Forums website last updated on 6 January 2006, recorded:
“Eczanes (Pharmacies) are open from 09:00 -19:00 on weekdays and Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays but there is always one, open 24 hours in each neighbourhood. Every pharmacy will have a display in its window (which is posted each evening, on Sunday, and on statutory and religious holidays) listing the name and location of the pohen pharmacy, or Nöbetçi Eczane.” [50]