Syrian Refugee Access to and Quality of Healthcare in Turkey

Abstract. Although Turkey affirms the right to health regardless of citizenship status, as defined by the Declaration of Human Rights, there are gaps in the legislation and administration regarding the conditions for which an individual must fulfill as a Syrian refugee to access healthcare in Turkey ( Mardin, 2017 ). One of the greatest healthcare access barriers is not gaining status under the temporary protection regulation (TPR) as a Syrian refugee ( Mardin, 2017 ). Even after gaining status under the TPR, individuals are bound to the city in which they have registered and are designated, outside of which they are ineligible for healthcare ( Mardin, 2017 ). This limits the autonomy of the individual when making appropriate resettlement decisions within Turkey. This process also poses an additional burden on healthcare professionals to act as healthcare access “gatekeeper” ( Mardin, 2017 ). This policy brief seeks to outline both the challenges Syrian refugees face in accessing quality healthcare in Turkey and provide reformation suggestions to allow for a more streamlined approach. Furthermore, suggestions are made with consideration of lessening the burden of Turkey’s healthcare system as the host country.