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Istanbul


 Healthcare


How to find a General Practitioner, doctor, physician


In general, Turkey's healthcare system is not as advanced as most western European countries. Health centres are dispersed all over the country but critical health issues can only be treated in main city centres like Istanbul and Ankara. On average, there is one hospital bed for 440 inhabitants and the ratio is even greater between doctors and inhabitants. Life expectancy is almost 10 years lesser than most developed western European countries.

The quality of Turkish hospitals varies tremendously depending on location and whether it is privately or publicly funded. Efforts are being made to improve services and now some hospitals in Istanbul and Ankara boast of treatments like laser eye correction, plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry etc. Istanbul and Ankara have newer, private facilities with fairly modern equipment and qualified training programs, but they still may not be able to address all serious medical conditions. The US State Department recommends that pregnant employees leave the country prior to giving birth. Foreign residents with chronic ailments are advised to keep medicines for at least six months as local pharmacies may not always have the medication you need.


12/06/2014

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