Healthcare financing reform in Turkey: context and salient features


YILDIRIM H. H., YILDIRIM T.

JOURNAL OF EUROPEAN SOCIAL POLICY, vol.21, no.2, pp.178-193, 2011 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 21 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/0958928710395045
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF EUROPEAN SOCIAL POLICY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.178-193
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The health field is characterised by high uncertainties which can lead to large expenditures. One way to manage these uncertainties is to develop collectively-financed health care systems. Some countries create this collective financing through general taxes, whereas others rely on premiums set up through compulsory social health insurance. Turkey, a middle-income country, has historically used several mechanisms to extend health care to its population. However, inadequate financing and poor service quality have plagued this health care system.