Turkey healthcare workers face workload and pay disputes

Healthcare professionals in Turkey are facing significant challenges regarding workload and compensation structures. A parliamentary inquiry has highlighted a potential nursing crisis, with reports suggesting that in some hospital units, a single nurse may be responsible for 20 to 25 patients. Özlem Akarken, President of the Health Services Union (SAHİM-SEN), noted that personnel shortages and varying shift schedules across hospitals are negatively impacting both working conditions and the quality of care.

Simultaneously, the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has filed a lawsuit with the Council of State to overturn the Ministry of Health’s ‘individual target coefficient’ system. The TTB argues that this performance-based model forces physicians into a competitive environment focused on quantitative targets rather than quality of care. The association claims the system subjects doctors to pressure to meet quotas, potentially compromising patient diagnosis, treatment, and informed consent processes by limiting the time available for each consultation.