Turkey: Medical

Istanbul

Some federal judges in the United States believe that America's new health insurance regime is unconstitutional. In Turkey things are a little different. Turkey’s constitution guarantees its citizens ‘Social Security’ and explicitly charges the state with the responsibility to make it happen.

That power in the hands of the state does not set Turks off as it does so many Americans. They are used to an activist state that makes policy in many very important aspects of their life. There does not seem to be a Turkish Glenn Beck, with his hair on fire about how this is the first step down the path to dictatorship.

Upscale, Private

Turkey is going the other direction on that path. Today the Turkish state has a smaller footprint in Turks' lives than has been true at many points in its history, including especially the ‘glory days’ of the Atatürk era. So Turks are used to the government taking responsibility for healthcare, they expect it - I think they even like it.

So everything is just fine, then? Well, as always, the devil is in the details. As always with health care, the question is about quality and accessibility. Americans want top-quality and they want it on demand. They probably would not be happy with the Turkish public system. But then, significant numbers of Turks feel the same way it seems.

Bilkent University 'Clinic'

Reform of the system has been an important part of the ruling AKP's governing program. Consistent with their general approach, they are adding market elements to the system, reducing relatively the state's role.  According to the PM’s pre-election rhetoric, they aren't done yet. Has it improved healthcare for Turks? The people I asked seem to be okay with what they had, but there do seem to be growing differences between classes. Wealthier Turks and can afford extra payments and supplemental insurance and have access to better care. Is that good or bad? I don't know, but it is not unlike a lot of other countries.