30.01.2025 01:10
Following the Newborn Gang scandal, all regulations regarding private hospitals have been completely revised. According to the new regulation published in the Official Gazette and now in effect, a monitoring system will be established to check the compliance of procedures performed in private hospitals with medical requirements, and a standard pricing policy will be implemented to prevent exorbitant pricing practices.
After the scandal of the Newborn Gang, all regulations regarding private hospitals have been reorganized. The Private Hospitals Regulation prepared by the Ministry of Health has been published in the Official Gazette.
THE INSPECTION SYSTEM IS CHANGING
The new regulation implements an inspection system that checks the compliance of procedures performed in private hospitals with medical requirements. Routine inspections, conducted three times a year, previously checked compliance with quality standards. Now, not only the quality but also the contents of medical procedures will be subject to inspection. A total of 20 scientific commissions established by the Ministry will evaluate the compliance of procedures with medical requirements. Leading experts from every branch in Turkey will be part of these scientific commissions.
SCIENTIFIC COMMISSIONS HAVE BEEN DETERMINED
Newborn Intensive Care, Adult Intensive Care, Family Medicine, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Emergency Health Services, Gender Change, Medical Genetics, Organ Transplantation, Radiology Services, Neurosurgery, Medical Oncology, Pediatric and Adult Hematology, Ear Nose Throat, Gastroenterology and Obesity Surgery, Cardiology and Adult Cardiovascular Surgery, Eye Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chest Diseases, Medical Laboratory Services, Oral and Dental Health Services
TRANSFER OPERATIONS IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN PROHIBITED
Beds and staff allocated to private hospitals for health service provision are no longer subject to transfer. With the new regulation, if it is determined that inpatient services, intensive care units, and services provided in clinics in private hospitals are operated by third parties, the licenses of those private hospitals will be revoked.
EXCESSIVE PRICES HAVE BEEN PROHIBITED
In private hospitals, it is prohibited to charge any fees from citizens other than the difference fees determined by SGK. With the new regulation, a standard pricing policy has been implemented to prevent excessive pricing policies. When determining prices, the SUT prices set by SGK will be taken as a basis.
ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR THOSE WISHING TO OPEN PRIVATE HOSPITALS
Important criteria have been established for those wishing to open private hospitals. Individuals convicted of disgraceful crimes are prohibited from opening hospitals, and those whose licenses have been revoked are restricted from opening hospitals again.
AI-SUPPORTED INSPECTION MECHANISM
The Ministry of Health has implemented a multi-faceted and transparent inspection mechanism based on risk management and information technology, utilizing artificial intelligence. AI-supported inspections will be carried out in private hospitals. This will help 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 "Turkey Health Services Quality and Accreditation Institute." The Health Accreditation Standards include 7 dimensions, 32 sections, 58 standards, and 244 evaluation criteria. This accreditation certificate will be granted for three years and will be checked annually. For the first time in history, quality accreditation has been made mandatory in addition to routine inspections.
The 7 dimensions included in the Health Accreditation Standards are as follows:
- Health Services
- Patient Experience
- Emergency Management
- Healthy Working Life
- Management and Organization
- Performance Measurement and Quality Improvement
- Support Services
FEEDBACK FROM CITIZENS WILL BE COLLECTED
It has become mandatory to place QR code labels integrated with the "Ministry of Health Communication Center" in private health facilities so that citizens can report their satisfaction with the health services they receive from private hospitals. With this application, citizens will be able to report directly to the Ministry.
NEW WORKING REGULATIONS FOR SPECIALISTS IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS
Specialist doctors will be allowed to work in private hospitals without the requirement of staff, provided they close their private practices. In addition to the number of licensed doctors working in hospitals, doctors who close their practices will be offered the opportunity to work without the requirement of staff.
EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATION IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS
It will be mandatory to employ pharmacy technicians, radiotherapy technicians, and electrophysiology technicians in private hospitals. For the first time in history, this obligation will be implemented for these positions.
AMBULANCE OBLIGATION
Private hospitals will be required to have a registered, inspectable transfer ambulance that provides 24-hour service. The new application aims to prevent unregistered practices and provide accessible health services to citizens.
MEASURES AGAINST EARTHQUAKE RISK
In cases of necessity, especially regarding earthquake risk, it will be facilitated for private hospitals to be relocated to safe buildings. The goal is to provide services in hospitals that are earthquake-resistant and have advanced physical facilities.
PAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES WILL BE EXPANDED
Private hospitals will be facilitated in opening palliative care beds, aiming to make it easier for patients in need of care to access health services.