Turkey’s Health Evolution: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives Explored at ‘Sözüm Mecliste’ Program by AK Party Istanbul Provincial Presidency
In an event held at the Bahçelievler Belediyesi Nikah ve Kongre Sarayı and moderated by AK Party Istanbul Provincial Vice President Akın Bayram, discussions surrounding Turkey’s health history, current status, and future outlook took center stage. The panel featured prominent figures such as AK Party Istanbul Provincial Vice President Erol Bulut, AK Party Istanbul Women’s Branch President Saliha Demirer, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Health Commission Chairman Muzaffer Saraç, alongside chief physicians and representatives from various private and public hospitals, as well as civil society organizations. Also in attendance were AK Party Istanbul Members of Parliament Halit Yerebakan and Sevan Sıvacıoğlu from the Health, Family, Labor, and Social Affairs Commission, as well as Bahçelievler Mayor Dr. Hakan Bahadır, who delivered insightful speeches.
Turkey’s Health System: A Journey of Transformation
During the event, Istanbul Member of Parliament Sevan Sıvacıoğlu highlighted the significant transformations that Turkey’s healthcare system has undergone over the years to meet societal needs and global changes. He emphasized the rapid changes and reforms that have shaped the system over the past 22 years, with a budget allocation of 1 trillion 20 billion lira for the Ministry of Health in the upcoming year. Sıvacıoğlu noted that access to healthcare has been expedited by assigning a family physician to every individual, with a total of 50,884 family physicians serving in 8,157 family health centers nationwide. He also mentioned the substantial increase in the number of specialist physicians, from 45,000 in 2002 to 103,707 in 2023, across government, university, and private sectors.
Ensuring Ethical Healthcare Practices
Member of Parliament Halit Yerebakan emphasized the integration of digital technologies into the healthcare system alongside innovative medical practices. He stressed the importance of patient-centered policies in building a strong foundation for Turkey’s healthcare sector within the framework of the “Turkey Yüzyılı” initiative. Yerebakan underscored the significance of quality, equitable, timely, and patient-focused healthcare services, stating that healthcare is essential for preserving human dignity. He highlighted the importance of upholding ethical principles in healthcare delivery to ensure sustainability and security within the system.
Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare
Mayor Dr. Hakan Bahadır, as the host of the event, discussed the advancements in healthcare services across Turkey from 2002 to 2024, citing the establishment of hospitals in every province and the use of aircraft, helicopters, and ambulances for patient transport. He highlighted the significant decrease in maternal mortality rates during childbirth and the crucial role of city hospitals during the pandemic. Bahadır expressed disappointment in the lack of collaboration from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) in providing healthcare support during the pandemic, which he believed hindered the progress of the healthcare system. He stressed the need for private hospitals’ support in establishing medical centers to compensate for the deficiencies in municipal healthcare initiatives.
Looking Towards a Sustainable Healthcare Future
The discussions at the event concluded with a question-and-answer session that touched upon various aspects of the healthcare system in Turkey. The speakers highlighted the importance of ethical practices, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts between public and private healthcare sectors to ensure a sustainable and effective healthcare system for the future.
In conclusion, the ‘Sözüm Mecliste’ program organized by the AK Party Istanbul Provincial Presidency provided a platform for insightful discussions on Turkey’s healthcare landscape, reflecting on its evolution, current challenges, and future opportunities. The event underscored the importance of continuous innovation, ethical standards, and collaborative partnerships in shaping a resilient and patient-centered healthcare system for all citizens.
