Post by Fenlander on Jun 10, 2008 23:58:12 GMT 2
There are two types of healthcare system, private and state. Private hospitals are usually better equipped and staffed and offer a very comprehensive service compared to state hospitals. They can be very expensive and well out of reach of many people who don’t have medical insurance. State hospitals are for those who don’t have insurance and offer adequate medical service for a lot less money. The staff and doctors are just as well trained. The equipment may be older or less sophisticated but it works, the wards and waiting room may be fuller but the treatment is adequate.
Many doctors and consultants that work in the bigger hospitals, particularly those affiliated to universities are extremely highly qualified, many having completed their training abroad, in particular the US. In fact Turkey has some of the best world renowned highly trained doctors and specialists in the world.
Pharmacists in Turkey are highly trained and licensed to dispense and administer drugs to patients for minor ailments. Much like your local GP, they will first discuss your symptoms, make diagnoses and recommend a treatment which you can then buy there and then. If the pharmacist feels your illness requires the services of a doctor he will say do and usually will recommend one.
All doctors operating from private clinic or surgery are fully trained general practitioners and may also specialize in their chosen field at the local state or private hospital. They generally have quite sophisticated equipment in their clinic and will treat most emergencies and perform diagnostic tests (such as ultrasound) on the premises, saving you valuable time and often a trip to the hospital. For more specialist tests such as MRI there are no hospital waiting times, but you may need to travel to the nearest big town with a note from the doctor requesting the tests, to a private facility to arrange for these. Once the test is completed you will be given the results immediately. A fee is payable for these tests and costs do vary. There are several of these private facilities each specializing in a particular field in most major cities.
If you have chosen to make your permanent home here in Turkey then it is recommended that you take out private medical insurance here to cover you. Although minor illnesses and ailments can be dealt with relatively cheaply and easily, more serious problems requiring long term care, hospitalization, operations or on going treatment can be very costly.
