Syrian Refugee Access to and Quality of Healthcare in Turkey : A Call to Streamline and Simplify the Process

Abstract

Abstract. Although Turkey affirms the right to health regardless of citizenship status, as defined by the Declaration of Human Rights, there are gaps in the legislation and administration regarding the conditions for which an individual must fulfill as a Syrian refugee to access healthcare in Turkey ( Mardin, 2017). One of the greatest healthcare access barriers is not gaining status under the temporary protection regulation (TPR) as a Syrian refugee ( Mardin, 2017). Even after gaining status under the TPR, individuals are bound to the city in which they have registered and are designated, outside of which they are ineligible for healthcare ( Mardin, 2017). This limits the autonomy of the individual when making appropriate resettlement decisions within Turkey. This process also poses an additional burden on healthcare professionals to act as healthcare access “gatekeeper” ( Mardin, 2017). This policy brief seeks to outline both the challenges Syrian refugees face in accessing quality healthcare in Turkey and provide reformation suggestions to allow for a more streamlined approach. Furthermore, suggestions are made with consideration of lessening the burden of Turkey’s healthcare system as the host country.

Impact and Implications

The failure to effectively respond to the Syrian refugee crisis in Turkey has left thousands of individuals without access to quality healthcare and continues to burden the health and administrative system in Turkey. It is critical for health systems in host countries like Turkey to respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals by providing comprehensive care while considering their other resettlement needs. By identifying areas of improvement to streamline and simplify Turkey's healthcare response, the recommendations could enhance the well-being of Syrian refugees. Furthermore, this model could be applied to other host countries to better accommodate and care for displaced individuals around the globe.