Family physicians in Türkiye announce nationwide strike over new healthcare regulations

Family physicians in Türkiye have announced a five-day strike from December 2 to 6 in protest of the performance-based “Family Medicine Payment and Contract Regulation.” This regulation has been widely criticized by healthcare professionals for its negative impact on the quality of patient care.

Protests against ‘inhumane’ regulations

The protest is aimed at the controversial “Family Medicine Payment and Contract Regulation,” often referred to as the “torment regulation.” The move follows widespread dissatisfaction among family healthcare workers who argue that the regulation undermines the core values of family medicine, which focus on primary and preventative care.

In a statement prior to the planned strike, Dr. Ahmet Kandemir, the General President of the Family Medicine Workers’ Union (AHESEN), shared his concerns regarding the new policies.

Threat to core of family medicine

Dr. Kandemir emphasized that the primary role of family health centers is to provide basic healthcare services. He criticized the introduction of fee-for-service reports and certain alternative treatments like cupping (YETAT) in family healthcare centers, which he argued are inconsistent with the essence of family medicine. “We provide preventative and primary healthcare services,” he said. “When the right environment is provided, up to 80-85% of the country’s health issues can be solved, prevented, or treated effectively.”

He further highlighted the success of family health centers during crises such as the pandemic, earthquakes, and vaccination drives, pointing out that when these centers function well, both healthcare workers and citizens benefit.

Struggling to provide quality care

Dr. Kandemir also expressed concerns about the challenges family physicians face under the current system. “We are struggling to find time for each patient, which is preventing citizens from receiving the quality healthcare they deserve,” he said. “In the current setup, citizens’ right to accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare is at risk.”

Strike announcement: December 2-6

Kandemir reminded the public that many healthcare workers have already resigned or are preparing to leave the system due to the new regulations. He added that the strike from December 2 to 6 is a direct response to the government’s failure to address concerns raised by the medical community.

“We warned before that the new Family Medicine Regulation would provoke violence against healthcare workers, restrict the services available to citizens, and push family doctors, nurses, and midwives out of the system,” Kandemir stated. “Despite our protests, the government has failed to make any changes. Now, we are taking a stand again, not only for the healthcare workers but for the health of all citizens and the future of Türkiye’s healthcare system.”

Public support for strike

Family physicians are receiving strong support from the public, who recognize the essential role family health centers play in their access to care. Patients have also voiced their opposition to the new regulations, stressing that the changes could have a detrimental effect on the healthcare system.

What the strike means for citizens

As the strike approaches, citizens are reminded that family health centers remain the cornerstone of accessible healthcare in Türkiye.

Many are worried that if the current changes persist, they may face increased barriers to quality care, potentially driving them toward private healthcare options.