The Turkish Health Workers Union (Türk Sağlık-Sen) conducted a study on spending in private hospitals and found noteworthy results. According to the research, expenditures on hospitals have risen year after year. Over the past five years, payments to hospitals have increased significantly. The study indicates that government payments to private hospitals grew by 64% over the last five years.
The research also shows that out-of-pocket expenses for citizens are increasing each year. Due to higher co-payments and rising prices for medical items, treatment costs in private hospitals are climbing. Since 2008, additional fee charges have been applied, and these continuing fees are placing growing financial strain on patients.
121% Increase in Five Years
The study examined price increases for medical supplies as reported by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). Considering the price differences over the past five years, the average increase was calculated at 121%. The report also reviewed Social Security Institution (SGK) payments to private healthcare providers. SGK paid 4.1 billion TL to private hospitals in 2008, rising to 6.7 billion TL in 2012.
Based on the first six months of 2013, payments totaled 3.7 billion TL, and looking at past patterns of increase during the year, the study estimated that SGK’s total payments to private hospitals in 2013 could approach 7.8 billion TL. If this projection holds, the amount the state pays private providers would have risen by roughly 90% over six years.
Out-of-Pocket Spending Rose by 17.5%
The study also considered how much citizens themselves paid. Out-of-pocket spending by individuals was 10 billion TL in 2008 and increased to 11.75 billion TL in 2012. This corresponds to an approximate increase of 17.5%.
Overall, the findings highlight a steady upward trend in both public and private spending on private hospital care, placing growing financial pressure on the healthcare system and on patients who face higher co-payments and service fees.