Healthcare workers in Türkiye launch strike to demand better conditions, resources

Family physicians, midwives and nurses working at Family Health Centers launched a five-day strike on Jan. 6, suspending services until Jan. 10 in Türkiye.

Healthcare workers in secondary and tertiary facilities are also set to strike for one day on Jan. 8 to show solidarity.

Why it matters

By halting services for several days, these medical professionals aim to draw attention to pressing issues within Türkiye’s healthcare system. The strike underscores calls for improved resources, better working conditions and fair compensation—spotlighting broader tensions over public health policies.

Details

• Strike timeline:
  • Family physicians, midwives, and nurses will not offer services from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10.
  • Healthcare workers at secondary and tertiary facilities plan a one-day work stoppage on Jan. 8.
• Core demands:
  • Public funding for the physical and medical equipment of Family Health Centers.
  • A limit of 2,000 registered patients per physician to ensure manageable workloads.
  • Strengthened legal protections to curb violence in healthcare settings.

Zoom In

Union representatives argue that the Ministry of Health’s response has fallen short, indicating that meaningful steps toward resolution are urgently needed.

They also emphasize the necessity of pay structures tied to enduring benefits rather than short-term performance metrics.

Zoom Out

Strikes at the primary care level signal deeper challenges in Türkiye’s healthcare sector, encompassing infrastructure shortfalls and high workloads.

The outcome could have implications for future labor actions and policy reforms across the country’s broader health ecosystem.