The “Private Hospitals Regulation” prepared by the Ministry of Health was published in the Official Gazette dated 30.01.2025 and numbered 32798.
With the regulation published in the Official Gazette, all the rules governing the operation and supervision of private hospitals have been renewed. The decision redefines all aspects of the management and inspection of private hospitals.
Under the directive of Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, the private hospital regulation has been revised. The regulation, which has come into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette, aims to enhance healthcare service standards and initiate a new era of stringent medical supervision. All operational and oversight procedures for private hospitals have been restructured.
Strict Monitoring for Private Hospitals
The new regulation introduces an inspection system to ensure medical procedures in private hospitals adhere to medical requirements. Previously, routine inspections were conducted three times a year to assess compliance with quality standards. Now, not only quality but also the content of medical procedures will be subjected to scrutiny. The Ministry has established 20 scientific commissions to evaluate the medical necessity of procedures. These commissions include Turkey’s leading experts from various medical fields.
The Scientific Commissions are as follows: Neonatal Intensive Care, Adult Intensive Care, Family Medicine, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Emergency Health Services, Gender Reassignment, Medical Genetics, Organ Transplantation, Radiology Services, Neurosurgery, Medical Oncology, Pediatric and Adult Hematology, Otolaryngology, Gastroenterology and Obesity Surgery, Cardiology and Adult Cardiovascular Surgery, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pulmonology, Medical Laboratory Services, and Oral and Dental Health Services.
Transfer of Private Hospitals Prohibited
Hospital beds and staff positions allocated for healthcare services in private hospitals can no longer be transferred. Under the new regulation, if it is determined that inpatient services, intensive care units, or clinical services are outsourced to third parties, the hospital’s license will be revoked.
Ban on Excessive Pricing in Private Hospitals
Private hospitals are prohibited from charging fees beyond the additional charges determined by the Social Security Institution (SGK). The new regulation implements a standardized pricing policy to prevent excessive pricing. The Social Security Institution’s (SGK) Health Implementation Communiqué (SUT) prices will be taken as a reference for pricing.
Additional Criteria for Opening Private Hospitals
New criteria have been established for individuals wishing to open private hospitals. Those convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude are barred from opening hospitals. Additionally, individuals whose hospital licenses have been revoked due to violations will be restricted from opening new hospitals.
AI-Supported Inspection Mechanism
As part of the “Healthy Turkey Century” program, the Ministry of Health has introduced a risk management-based, IT-supported, AI-driven, multi-layered, and transparent inspection mechanism. AI-assisted inspections in private hospitals will help prevent irregularities.
New Quality Accreditation System for Private Hospitals
The Ministry of Health has made it mandatory for private hospitals to be accredited by the “Turkey Healthcare Services Quality and Accreditation Institute.” The Health Accreditation Standards include 7 dimensions, 32 sections, 58 standards, and 244 evaluation criteria. This accreditation certificate will be valid for three years and reviewed annually. For the first time in history, routine inspections will be supplemented with mandatory quality accreditation.
Citizen Satisfaction Reporting
To allow citizens to report their satisfaction with healthcare services received at private hospitals, QR-coded labels integrated with the “Ministry of Health Communication Center” have been mandated for all private healthcare facilities. This will enable direct reporting to the Ministry.
New Working Conditions for Specialist Physicians in Private Hospitals
Specialist physicians are allowed to work in private hospitals without staffing constraints, provided they close their private practices. Physicians who shut down their clinics can work in hospitals beyond the officially allocated staff quotas.
Ambulance Requirement for Private Hospitals
Private hospitals must have a registered, supervised ambulance service available 24/7. This measure aims to prevent unregistered services and ensure accessible healthcare for citizens.
Precautions Against Earthquake Risks
To address earthquake risks and other urgent needs, private hospitals will be facilitated in relocating to safer buildings. The goal is to provide services in hospitals with earthquake-resistant and advanced physical infrastructures.
Expansion of Palliative Care Services
Private hospitals will be encouraged to open palliative care units to facilitate access to healthcare services for patients in need of continuous care.
