Turkey updates Private Hospitals Regulation with new inspection and equipment rules

The Turkish Ministry of Health has implemented comprehensive changes to the Private Hospitals Regulation, published in the Official Gazette. A key feature of the new rules is the introduction of inspection exemptions for hospitals accredited by the Health Services Quality and Accreditation Institute (TÜSKA). Depending on their accreditation level, hospitals will be exempt from routine inspections for varying periods: three years for platinum or gold categories, two years for silver, and one year for bronze.

The regulation also updates technical and operational requirements. Private hospitals must now possess either a mobile X-ray device or an X-ray device with at least 500 mA power, though they may fulfill this through on-site service procurement. Additionally, hospitals are required to maintain medical biochemistry and/or medical microbiology laboratories corresponding to their specialized medical branches, with similar flexibility for service procurement.

Other updates include increasing the allowed deviation for minimum physical standards from 2% to 5% and providing physical condition exemptions for hospitals licensed before January 30, 2025. The regulation also clarifies rules regarding specialist training programs and allows for case-based special permission for physicians to treat patients at alternative hospitals when necessary.