Bursa hospital relocation and capacity concerns

The relocation of medical facilities in Bursa has transitioned from administrative procedures to public controversy. On October 23, 2026, Çekirge State Hospital concluded patient admissions at its 56-year-old building to begin moving operations to Ali Osman Sönmez State Hospital.

Following this, significant public outcry emerged regarding the planned relocation of the Şehit Yarbay İlker Çelikcan Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. This historic facility, which utilizes a 723-year-old thermal spring, is also slated for relocation to the Ali Osman Sönmez State Hospital.

Local community leaders and residents have criticized the move, citing a drastic reduction in service capacity. Ferit Gürsoy, President of the Bursa Bizim Platform, noted that the bed capacity could drop from 150 to 60, and daily outpatient treatment capacity might fall to one-fifth of its current volume. While authorities have cited earthquake vulnerability as the primary reason for the relocation, critics have suggested that reinforcement projects or the use of the idle Barem facility could serve as alternatives to maintain current care levels.

On October 25, 2026, Ali Osman Sönmez State Hospital officially began accepting patients. The new facility is designed as a major medical hub with approximately 1,315 beds, 232 intensive care beds, and 32 operating rooms. While the hospital is currently integrating services from Çekirge State Hospital, future plans include the phased relocation of units from the Dörtçelik Children's Hospital and the İlker Çelikcan Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center. AK Party Bursa Provincial Chairman Davut Gürkan stated that the hospital’s large emergency department should alleviate the city’s medical workload, though local concerns regarding the reduction of the İlker Çelikcan bed capacity remain.