Turkey's Healthcare Crisis: Exodus of Doctors Highlights Systemic Challenges

 

As Turkey grapples with economic uncertainties and societal challenges, a growing wave of doctors is leaving the country, citing deteriorating conditions and increasing violence in the workplace. The departure of medical professionals is not just a personal choice; it is sounding an alarm about the state of healthcare in the nation.

Last year, approximately 2,700 doctors submitted applications for good conduct certificates, a necessary step to explore job opportunities abroad. This number marks a significant jump from the figures in 2021, a clear indication of the urgency of the situation. The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) reports that the rate of doctors leaving the country has surged by a staggering 70-fold over the past 11 years, highlighting the depth of the issue.

Earlier this month, medics across Turkey went on strike, demanding better working conditions and protesting against extended hours, meager pay, and a concerning rise in violence targeting hospital staff. The strikes underscore the frustration and distress of healthcare professionals who find themselves in increasingly difficult circumstances.

Many doctors are now seeking employment opportunities in Europe and North America, where salaries can be up to three times higher than in Turkey. The appeal of better compensation and improved working conditions is drawing medical professionals away, creating a concerning "brain drain" effect on Turkey's healthcare system.

One doctor who recently moved to Germany, MG, 34, shed light on the situation. "There’s a lack of personal benefits and the salary is low considering the work doctors carry out [in Turkey]," MG stated. "Shift rates are so low as to be insulting."

The departure of doctors from Turkey doesn't merely signal a shift in career paths; it threatens to erode the quality of healthcare available to citizens. With fewer skilled doctors available, patients may face longer wait times, reduced access to specialized care, and overall compromised healthcare outcomes.

This healthcare crisis highlights the urgency for Turkey to address systemic issues within the medical field. Without significant reforms to ensure better working conditions, competitive compensation, and an environment free from violence, the nation risks losing not only its medical talent but also the trust and well-being of its citizens.