# Turkey healthcare sector development and domestic production

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-healthcare-sector-development-and-domestic-production
> Updated: 2026-08-16T06:08:02.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 2.

Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu has outlined a strategic vision for the nation’s healthcare sector, focusing on preventive care, domestic production, and economic growth.

Initially, the Minister emphasized the importance of preventive health services and tobacco control, describing tobacco regulation as a “national security issue.” He highlighted the impact of early cancer diagnoses and noted that nationwide screening programs have identified over 8 million patients with chronic diseases. Additionally, the Ministry set ambitious export targets for the health sector, aiming for US$10 billion in exports within five years.

Recent developments focus on achieving medical independence through the domestic manufacturing of vaccines, cancer drugs, and SMA medications. The Minister noted that contracts for at least six domestic vaccines are being finalized to transition from mere filling to full production, specifically aiming for capabilities including master cell technology. Efforts are also underway to produce medical devices locally, such as ultrasound machines and heart-lung pumps. Plans have expanded to include a total of eight domestic vaccines, with contracts for at least six expected to be signed within weeks. The ministry is also conducting scientific studies on SMA treatments to ensure effective outcomes.

To improve healthcare delivery, the Ministry has introduced a new model for palliative care. By integrating home health, remote monitoring, and palliative services through the newly established Home Health Services Coordination Center (ESKOM), the Ministry aims to manage chronic patients more effectively outside of intensive care units. Infrastructure expansion continues, with 79 large hospitals constructed in Istanbul over the last 24 years and the 4,000-bed Sancaktepe city hospital slated for 2027.

Public health metrics show life expectancy has risen to 78.5 years, up from 72 years in 2002, while infant mortality rates have fallen to 7.8 per thousand births.

## Claims

- At least six vaccines will be put into production within a few weeks to achieve independence in health. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The Home Health Services Coordination Center (ESKOM) has been established as a command center. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- A new 'palliative critical care service' has been defined through a new regulation. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- More than 3 million people come to Turkey to receive health services. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The average life expectancy in Turkey has risen to 78.5 years. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Turkey aims to become independent in the health sector through local production of drugs and medical devices. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The infant mortality rate dropped from 31.5 per thousand births in 2002 to 7.8. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Circulatory system diseases account for 34.7 percent of deaths. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- 79 large hospitals have been built in Istanbul over the last 24 years. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The hospital in Beykoz is targeted for completion in 2027. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The 4,000-bed city hospital in Sancaktepe is expected to be operational in the second half of 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Turkey aims for healthcare independence through domestic vaccine and drug production

Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced plans for domestic vaccine and drug production, a new palliative care coordination model, and noted that life expectancy in Turkey has risen to 78.5 years.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-announces-healthcare-advancements-and-domestic-production-goals

### 2026-07-28: Turkey Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu calls for preventive care boost and tobacco curbs

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu stresses preventive care, notes 2,800 early cancer detections, cites 8 bn cigarette packs sold in 2025, and sets a US$10 bn/US$50 bn health‑export goal while highlighting local‑m

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-aims-for-50-bn-healthsector-exports-in-10-years-says-health-minister-kemal-memiolu

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Cite as: Turkey healthcare sector development and domestic production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-healthcare-sector-development-and-domestic-production