Primary Healthcare Services and Their Impact on Insurance in the Medium-Term Program

The enhancement of the effectiveness of primary healthcare services and the effects of inter-tier integration on health insurance, included within the scope of the Medium-Term Program, are being evaluated. Experts state that the vast majority of health needs in society can be resolved at the primary level.

Medium-Term Program and Healthcare Sustainability

Under the heading of Financial Sustainability of the Social Security System within the Medium-Term Program, it is aimed to increase the effectiveness of primary healthcare services. It is emphasized that integration between service tiers needs to be strengthened.

The Importance of Primary Healthcare Services

According to World Health Organization data, 80 to 90 percent of all health needs and diseases in society can be resolved and treated at the primary level.

In an effectively functioning healthcare system, the rate of patients being referred to hospitals, which are higher tiers, through a referral chain is expected to remain around 10 to 20 percent.

Health Insurance Approach

Products need to be developed with a health insurance approach that rewards staying healthy rather than illness. Designs focused on primary healthcare services prior to the hospital stage must be addressed by all stakeholders.

Global Standards and Historical Background

World Health Organization documents state that primary healthcare services are the fundamental principle of the right to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for everyone.

In Turkey, a population-based, widespread, continuous, and tiered healthcare service model was implemented with Law No. 224 enacted in the past.