Patient’s Rights in Türkiye

The Turkish government is committed to providing excellent healthcare services to people. Patients have the right to receive quality healthcare at affordable prices. Currently, Turkiye boasts some of the best medical facilities in the world. With world-class medical facilities and highly skilled staff, Turkiye ranks among the top ten destinations for medical and health tourism worldwide.

Patients in Turkiye are entitled to several rights, including:

Right to Consultation: Patients have the right to seek consultation from other medical professionals upon request.

Right to Information: Patients have the right to know the tasks and identities of the healthcare personnel providing them with services.

Right to Treatment Information: Patients have the right to request information about the treatments and procedures they will undergo, as well as the associated costs and medical bills.

The Right to Innovation: Every individual has the right to benefit from innovative medical advancements and research, especially in the areas of rare diseases. The healthcare system should prioritize pain and suffering prevention during all stages of treatment, implementing measures for more comfortable and efficient care.

Consent Rights: Patients have the right to be informed and participate in decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers must provide comprehensive information about treatment options and obtain the patient’s consent. In cases where patients are below 18 years of age, parents or legal guardians provide support. However, if the parents object to necessary medical treatment, healthcare professionals can seek court intervention. In critical situations where there is no legal representative, doctors may proceed with treatment without consent.

Privacy Rights: Patients have the right to expect confidentiality regarding their personal health information, including diagnoses and medical records. Healthcare providers must respect patient privacy throughout the treatment process, and only authorized individuals should be present. Patients also have the right to refuse visitors who are not directly involved in their treatment.

Right to End-of-Life Care and Personalized Treatment: Terminally ill patients or those suffering from severe illnesses are entitled to special treatments. Citizens have the right to routine diagnoses and appropriate medical care. Healthcare providers are also granted the right to establish flexible programs to ensure patients receive the most suitable treatment.

Right to Protective Measures: Patients have the right to receive protection against diseases. The healthcare system’s responsibility is to ensure that every patient receives proper care. Access to professional information and technological advancements should be available to all citizens. Measures must be taken to protect the health and well-being of patients within medical facilities.

Access Rights: Citizens can access healthcare services to meet their healthcare needs. Service providers should offer medical assistance without discrimination based on religion, gender, language, or personal opinions. The rights of individuals with physical disabilities must be respected, and organ transplantation rights should be upheld.

Right to Complaint: Citizens have the right to file complaints if they experience harm during their healthcare journey. All healthcare workers must inform patients about their rights, and complaints should be addressed in writing or verbally. Patients have the right to appeal to courts and organizations to resolve their complaints.

Compensation Rights: If patients suffer physical, moral, or psychological harm during treatment, they have the legal right to seek compensation. Medical institutions must acknowledge and respect the additional rights of patients to ensure their safety and security.

Right to Access Medical Records: Patients have the right to access their medical records, including files, records, and copies, as well as the ability to question, copy, and request corrections. Access to medical records of deceased patients requires permission from the court. Patients also have the right to request changes to their treatment processes or update medical records. Medical records should be sent to patients or preferred institutions upon request.

Security Rights: Citizens have the right to protection against healthcare-related damages, medical errors, and other incidents, as well as access to treatments and institutions with high-security standards.

Right to Religious Services: Patients have the right to practice their religious beliefs, wear religiously compatible clothing, use religious symbols, and receive psychological and social support within the possibilities and measures of healthcare institutions. Every individual has the right to receive visitors, with visiting rules determined by the institutions, and the right to have a companion during their treatment.

Dignity Entitlement: Citizens have the right to receive healthcare services in a respectful and caring manner, in a healthy environment free from noise or distractions. Hospital staff should treat patients with respect, and all complaints should be addressed through the patient rights office.

Right to Timely Healthcare Services: Patients have the right to receive necessary treatment within a reasonable time frame. This right applies throughout all stages of treatment, and waiting periods should not exceed the specified time. If healthcare providers are unable to provide timely services, patients have the right to seek alternative options of similar quality. Expenditures incurred due to failed medical aids should be reimbursed to patients.

Right to Choice: Informed individuals have the right to choose among various treatment methods and healthcare providers. Patients can elect the methods of diagnosis and treatment and should be informed about other healthcare institutions available to them.

Right to Refuse Treatment: Every individual has the right to refuse any treatment or medical intervention, including those provided under informed consent. If treatment is refused, the patient’s connection with the medical institution ends. However, if the patient seeks treatment again, they can receive quality care, and treatment will resume.

Patients Responsibility in Türkiye

It is the greatest success of our doctors and healthcare teams that all patients receive good and quality treatment. In order for this process to go smoothly, patients have responsibilities as well as rights.

Responsibility to Provide Information: Patients and their relatives provide necessary information about the patient’s health history, current complaints, and treatment applications. If patients or relatives have difficulty understanding treatment-related information, they should report it to healthcare providers for clarification. Patients and relatives should be well-informed about the patient’s health status and ensure mutual understanding with healthcare professionals. Patients should actively participate in treatment decisions and provide authorities with accurate personal information.

Responsibility for Examination and Treatment Payments: Accepted payment methods and debt clearance processes should be clearly stated during the acceptance stage. Patients and relatives are responsible for providing social security or private health insurance certifications. Individuals eligible for free treatment must provide the necessary documentation. In emergency situations, the patient’s medical institution should provide a letter to facilitate treatment. Relatives of patients can seek compensation for any loss or damages incurred during treatment. Responsibility for Compliance and Recommendations: Patients are responsible for following the applications and rules of the medical institution they are receiving care from.

Respecting Liability:

• Patients and their relatives should consider the rights of other patients and healthcare workers in the medical institution.
• Patients and their relatives should respect the visiting policies of medical centers.
• Patients and relatives should adhere to the hospital’s privacy policies.
• Hospitals with many visitors should implement necessary measures and comply with hospital administration.
• Patients and their relatives should not demand or administer any medication, except as outlined in the treatment plan.

Health institutions and medical professionals should provide quality healthcare that meets technical performance, human relations, and comfort standards. At Healthy Turkiye, we offer top-notch medical services to address various health issues and complications. We welcome individuals from around the world to experience world-class treatment in Turkiye.