CHP Reacts Strongly to Individual Target Coefficient Regulation
Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Erbay stated that the Ministry of Health's new performance-oriented system only inflates statistics and called for a public-oriented approach.
Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Responsible for Health Policies, Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Erbay, reacted to the Ministry of Health's Individual Target Coefficient regulation, emphasizing that the success criteria of the health system cannot be based on points.
Criticism of Performance in the Health System
The Republican People's Party has reacted to the Individual Target Coefficient regulation implemented by the Ministry of Health to determine physicians' incentive payments and in-service performance points.
CHP Deputy Chairman Responsible for Health Policies, Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Erbay, stated that the success criteria of the health system cannot be the points produced or the number of patients seen.
Emphasis on Statistics-Oriented Approach
Stating that an approach that turns physicians into point producers, patients into target numbers, and hospitals into competitive arenas will only inflate statistics rather than improve health services, Erbay reminded that this regulation has been taken to the Council of State by the Turkish Medical Association.
Underlining that health services cannot be measured like an assembly line, Erbay noted that limiting the discussions solely to additional payments is insufficient.
Professional Performance of Physicians
Stating that true professional performance lies in correctly understanding the patient's illness, making the right diagnosis, and avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments, Erbay said that seeing more patients does not mean higher quality service.
He expressed that while spending time on a complex patient may appear as fewer procedures from the system's perspective, it creates the real value in terms of patient health.
Competition and Teamwork
Pointing out that the new system could create destructive competition among physicians instead of cooperation, Erbay emphasized that health service is inherently a team effort.
He stated that a physician working under constant pressure of quotas, targets, and points suffers damage to their professional autonomy and work peace, and that this situation threatens patient safety.
Proposal for a Public-Oriented Health Approach
Arguing that physicians' income should not be tied to the condition of performing more procedures, Erbay said that Turkey needs a public-oriented health approach that strengthens preventive health services.
He added that true success in health is creating a qualified society that gets sick less often, detects illnesses early, and is protected from unnecessary procedures.