Developing Strategies for the Future of Healthcare in Turkey by Benchmarking and SWOT Analysis

Turkey has been undergoing structural changes since 2005 in healthcare and these changes force Turkey to reorganize its developing healthcare system. Based on the observations done in Turkey, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore, interviews and surveys in some hospitals and articles published in healthcare, this study is prepared. SWOT Analysis of Turkish healthcare is drawn. From SWOT Analysis, the TOWS matrix to deploy strategies is developed in order to be successful at global environment in future. Turkey has great potential of internationalism of healthcare with its geographical location, historical places, beaches and geysers. Malaysia and Singapore have got great benefits by internationalizing their healthcare by private sector. Turkey needs both assistant and specialized doctors to meet the needs of increasing population. Nursing homes can be opened to decrease the load hospitalization on public hospitals mainly concentrated on old and chronic illness with U-Health. Moreover, it is expected that medicines and devices used in healthcare are to be produced in Turkey to prevent money outflows to other countries and decrease budget deficits. A more transparent and objective performance system focusing on quality and satisfaction of both staff and patients are to be developed in order to maturate the healthcare with increasing share of healthcare in GDP in Turkey.