Regulation on private hospitals completely overhauled

Under the instruction of Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, the regulation on private hospitals has been completely overhauled.

With the regulation published in the Official Gazette and now in effect, all rules regarding the operation and inspection of private hospitals have been reorganized.

The new regulation implements an inspection system that checks the compliance of procedures performed in private hospitals with medical requirements. Previously, compliance with quality standards was checked during routine inspections conducted 3 times a year.

From now on, not only quality but also the content of medical procedures will be subject to inspection. Twenty scientific commissions established by the Ministry will evaluate the compliance of procedures with medical requirements. These scientific commissions will include Turkey's leading experts from every branch.

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

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Gastroenterology and Obesity Surgery

Cardiology and Adult Cardiovascular Surgery

Ophthalmology

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Pulmonology

Medical Laboratory Services

Oral and Dental Health Services

Transfer of Operations in Private Hospitals Prohibited

Beds and staff quotas allocated to private hospitals for the provision of health services are no longer subject to transfer. Under the new regulation, if it is determined that inpatient services, intensive care units, or services offered in clinics at private hospitals are being operated by third parties, the licenses of those private hospitals will be revoked.

Exorbitant Prices in Private Hospitals Prohibited

It is prohibited for private hospitals to demand any fees from citizens other than the co-payments determined by the Social Security Institution (SGK). With the new regulation, a standard pricing policy has been implemented to prevent exorbitant pricing. The prices determined by the SGK (SUT prices) will be taken as the basis when setting prices.

Additional Criteria Introduced for Those Wishing to Open a Private Hospital

Important criteria have been introduced for those who wish to open a private hospital. Individuals convicted of disgraceful crimes are prohibited from opening hospitals, and those whose licenses were previously revoked due to ownership issues are restricted from opening new hospitals.

Artificial Intelligence-Supported Inspection Mechanism

Within the framework of the “Healthy Century of Turkey” program, the Ministry of Health has implemented a multi-faceted and transparent inspection mechanism based on risk management, information technology, and the use of artificial intelligence. AI-supported inspections will be carried out in private hospitals. This will prevent irregularities.

New Quality Accreditation Mechanism for Private Hospitals

The Ministry of Health has made it mandatory for private hospitals to be accredited by the “Turkish Health Care Quality and Accreditation Institute.” The Health Accreditation Standards include 7 dimensions, 32 sections, 58 standards, and 244 evaluation criteria. This accreditation certificate will be issued for three years and checked annually. For the first time in history, quality accreditation has been made mandatory in addition to routine inspections.

Citizen Satisfaction Feedback to be Collected

To allow citizens to report their satisfaction with the health services they receive from private hospitals, it has become mandatory to place QR-coded labels integrated with the “Ministry of Health Communication Center” in private health facilities. Thanks to this application, citizens will be able to submit notifications directly to the Ministry.

New Working Order for Specialist Physicians in Private Hospitals

Specialist physicians are now provided the opportunity to work in private hospitals without the requirement of a staff quota, provided they close their private practices. In addition to the number of physicians working under the hospital's license, physicians who close their private practices will be offered the opportunity to work without being subject to quota requirements.

Employment Obligations in Private Hospitals

It is becoming mandatory for private hospitals to employ pharmacy technicians, radiotherapy technicians, and electroneurophysiology technicians. For the first time in history, a mandate will be applied for these positions.

Ambulance Requirement for Private Hospitals

Private hospitals will be required to have a transport ambulance registered to a 24-hour ambulance service that is subject to inspection. The new application aims to prevent unregistered operations and provide accessible health services to citizens.

Precautions Against Earthquake Risk

Facilitation will be provided for the relocation of private hospitals to safe buildings in cases of necessity, primarily due to earthquake risk. The goal is to provide services in earthquake-resistant hospitals with advanced physical facilities.

Palliative Care Services to be Expanded

By providing facilitation to private hospitals that wish to open palliative care beds, the aim is to ensure that patients in need of care have easier access to health services.

News Source: 12punto