Health needs and access to health care: the case of Syrian refugees in Turkey

Objectives: Turkey is a principal destination and transit country for refugees from diverse countries. Turkey currently hosts Syrian refugees and provides free access to shelter, education and health care. The aim of this study is to determine the health needs and document the healthcare services available to Syrian refugees in Turkey.

Study design: Literature review.

Methods: An examination of the scientific literature, reports and government policies about refugees in Turkey was performed. In addition, literature focussing on the understanding and development of the healthcare needs and systems in crisis situations in Turkey was analysed.

Results: The Turkish government has made several regulations for Syrian refugees, which allow them to benefit from emergency care units and primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare centres in Turkey's 81 provinces free of charge; the financial costs of these benefits are covered by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. Effectiveness of healthcare services for refugees is limited by language barriers, mobility of the refugees and some legal restrictions. Mental health and rehabilitation services are relatively weak because of the inadequate number of qualified practitioners.

Conclusions: The current migration rules in Turkey do not enable refugees to access all human rights. Because the number of refugees has increased, there has been a subsequent increase in the financial and human resources needed for healthcare services. Multidynamic refugee-friendly systems, the provision of preventive health care (including primary and secondary prevention opportunities) and increasing the number of national and international organisations may help improve the health of refugees.