Healthcare Scenario in Ankara-Turkey

ANKARA

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is a vibrant metropolis in the heart of Central Anatolia. As of December 31, 2024, the urban center of Ankara has an estimated population of about 5.2 million, while the wider Ankara Province includes roughly 5.8 million residents.The city houses numerous government institutions, foreign embassies, and a rich variety of cultural sites, including museums and parks. Its strategic location and well-planned infrastructure have created a flourishing environment for public and private healthcare sectors, making it a focal point for medical services in the region. In recent years, Turkey’s healthcare system has experienced significant advancements, with Ankara playing a critical role in this development. The city provides a comprehensive range of medical services, supported by both public and private healthcare facilities. This robust healthcare infrastructure not only serves the local population but also positions Ankara as a notable destination for medical tourism, attracting individuals in search of high-quality and affordable medical care. Ankara’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services is further illustrated by its investment in modern medical technologies and the ongoing improvement of healthcare delivery systems. These efforts guarantee that residents and visitors alike have access to top-tier medical care, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a leader in the healthcare sector.

HEALTHCARE SCENARIO

Healthcare Structure

• Turkey’s Health Transformation Program (HTP), launched in 2003, aimed to revamp the healthcare system by promoting universal health coverage and enhancing service delivery.
• This reform resulted in the integration of various health insurance schemes under a single umbrella, making healthcare services more accessible and equitable.
• A key element of this transformation was the establishment of the family medicine system, which personalized primary care and improved health outcomes nationwide.

Source: worldbank.org

• Ankara exemplifies these advancements, hosting state-of-the-art medical facilities like the Ankara Bilkent City Hospital.
• Opened in 2019, it is one of the largest hospitals in the country, featuring 3,704 beds, 131 operating rooms, and 904 polyclinics.
• The hospital offers specialized services across various medical disciplines, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics, underscoring Ankara’s role as a leader in healthcare provision.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Disease Burden and Recent Health Concerns

• Turkey, including Ankara, faces a dual burden of disease, grappling with both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes account for a significant portion of mortality and morbidity.
• The “Multisectoral Action Plan of Turkey for Noncommunicable Diseases 2017–2025” was developed to address these challenges, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and integrated management strategies.

Source: who.int

• Communicable diseases remain a public health priority. As of March 2023, Turkey reported 102,174 deaths related to COVID-19, highlighting the pandemic’s impact.
• Additionally, there has been a notable increase in influenza cases following the relaxation of pandemic-related measures.
• The rise in HIV cases is also concerning, with 39,437 HIV-positive cases and 2,295 AIDS cases reported up to November 2023, indicating the need for enhanced public health interventions and awareness campaigns.

Source: yillik.kizilayakademi.org.tr

Recent Public Health Policies

• In response to the growing burden of NCDs, Turkey implemented the “Multisectoral Action Plan of Turkey for Noncommunicable Diseases 2017–2025.”
• The plan focuses on reducing risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol, alongside strengthening health systems for better management of NCDs.

Source: who.int

• Furthermore, Turkey’s commitment to universal health coverage has led to significant improvements in health outcomes.
• Life expectancy has increased, infant and under-five mortality rates have declined, and public satisfaction with health services has risen markedly.
• These achievements reflect the success of policies aimed at making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

HEALTH INSIGHTS

• Bootleg Alcohol Poisoning

Since the beginning of 2025, Ankara has witnessed a concerning rise in fatalities due to the consumption of illegally produced alcoholic beverages.

• Healthcare Accreditation Achievement

Güven Hospital, a prominent medical institution in Ankara, has earned the Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) for its medical travel services.

• Health Sciences Research Collaboration

In October 2024, the University of Pretoria (UP) and Ankara University formalized an academic partnership in health sciences research.

• Public Health Promotion Initiatives

On January 10, 2025, Ankara hosted the “Century of Healthy Türkiye” promotion meeting, organized by the Turkish Health Institutes Presidency (TÜSEB).

• S. Embassy Health Alert (Ankara)

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara issued a health alert on January 21, 2025, warning about deaths and serious illnesses related to consuming illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit branded alcohol.

LIST OF MEDICAL COLLEGES

LIST OF HOSPITALS

DIAGNOSTIC CENTRES

1. SYNLAB Laboratories
2. Genoks Genetic Diagnosis Center
3. Alfamed Tibbi Goruntuleme Merkezi
4. DENIZ Medical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Center
5. Integra Private Radiology Organization
6. DentisTomo Dental Imaging Center – Red Crescent
7. Expert Turk
8. Ankara Imaging Center
9. Technohealth Laboratory Diagnostics
10. Goker Medical
11. ClinicalLaboratory
12. Gen-Lab Genetic Diseases Diagnostic Center
13. METU Central Laboratory

CONCLUSION

Ankara stands as a beacon of healthcare excellence, blending advanced medical infrastructure with a commitment to innovation and patient care. As Turkey’s capital continues to grow, its healthcare sector remains a vital pillar, offering world-class services to both residents and international patients. With ongoing investments in medical technology and service quality, Ankara is not just keeping pace with global healthcare trends—it is setting new benchmarks. For those seeking expert medical care, business collaborations, or insights into Turkey’s evolving healthcare landscape, Ankara is undoubtedly a city to watch.