General healthcare perspectives in Turkish society
Over the past 20 years, Turkey has made significant advancements in healthcare services, thanks to initiatives like the Health Transformation Program and the General Health Care Insurance system. These efforts have improved access to healthcare and upgraded the country’s healthcare infrastructure. As a result, life expectancy in Turkey has increased from 72.5 years in 2002 to 77.5 years in 2022.
However, there has been a recent slowdown in healthcare improvements, with decreasing satisfaction rates and rising crude death rates, potentially linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s population has been growing, despite a declining fertility rate, and is projected to exceed 100 million by 2040.
In terms of deaths, Turkey saw 525,814 deaths in 2023, with circulatory diseases being the leading cause. There are regional variations in death rates, with provinces in the east typically having lower rates due to a younger population. Istanbul, with over 16 million people, has a below-average crude death rate.
Chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues and cancer are significant concerns in Turkey, highlighting the need for preventive healthcare measures. Infant mortality rates have shown improvement over the years but have started to increase since the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of continued healthcare development.
In conclusion, while Turkey has made great strides in healthcare, recent data suggests a need for interventions to address quality issues and shift towards preventive care. Prioritizing preventive healthcare and addressing chronic diseases early on can benefit both citizens’ health and the sustainability of the healthcare system.
Source
Sofia Martins graduated from the Technical University of Madrid with a degree in Agronomy, focusing on plant nutrition and soil science. She has a deep interest in sustainable fertilizer management and works to develop eco-friendly solutions that optimize plant growth while minimizing nutrient runoff. Sofia is a dedicated researcher and has published several articles on sustainable plant nutrition practices.