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Turkey's healthcare system is, in the main, not as advanced as those in many western European countries. Although the situation is improving, the funds allotted for medical and healthcare resources are currently insufficient considering the need. With the aid of the World Bank, the Turkish Ministry of Health hopes to implement the development of a number of public health centers and laboratories in the more remote eastern provinces.

The quality of Turkish hospitals varies tremendously. 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 requiring medication are advised to keep a six-month supply on hand. Local pharmacies may not be able to fill certain prescriptions reliably, and in rural areas will not often speak a language other than Turkish. It is possible to arrange consultation with qualified, multi-lingual, foreign-trained physicians in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and other larger cities with a significant expatriate population.

For an excellent list of hospitals, physicians and dentists in Turkey visit http://ankara.usembassy.gov/CONSULAR/ACDOCLST.HTM

Added March 2007 by Damla:
Turkey may not have the latest equipment in all cities, in all hospitals. It is correct that there are variations between hospitals. However, especially in large public city and university hospitals, they are able to address all kinds of serious medical conditions. On the other hand, within the private sector, there are a lot of hospitals especially in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, which have the latest technology and internationally trained doctors, international accreditations. (For example, some hospitals even treat patients with cell transplantation).
Lots of American and European people come to Turkey for medical treatments like lasik eye corrections, cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgeries, even IVF for infertility.

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