Syrian Refugees, Health and Migration Legislation in Turkey

Abstract

This paper discusses the crucial effects of Turkish health and migration laws on Syrian refugees’ access to public health services and social determinants of health. Key aspects of current Turkish laws affect the health of both refugees and Turkish citizens in many ways. The huge influx of refugees is increasing communicable disease risks, overcrowding hospitals, and more generally straining financial and health resources. Turkey’s United Nations membership and its candidacy for European Union (EU) have led to increased alignment of Turkey’s refugee and migration policies with international law. Major differences remain, however, and Turkey’s remaining non-compliance with international refugee laws is a major force driving Syrian refugee’s flight to EU countries, as refugees desperately seek the right to better health and social services.

Syrian Refugees at Risk of Hepatitis Diseases in Turkey, in Şanliurfa?

“…It is thought that this situation makes it difficult for individuals to access health care services and those who apply for health care services do not receive adequate service due to language problems. Indeed, a study including Syrian refugees in [24] and Ekmekçi's study in Turkey also support this [40]. The per capita monthly income of Syrian refugees is around $25, and their housing conditions are not adequate.…”

“…On the other hand, the poor economic level also hinders or delays access to health care, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment of diseases. All of these adverse conditions are said to facilitate the spread of infectious diseases and even cause epidemics [40,[43][44][45].…”

Displaced children with cancer in Lebanon: A sustained response to an unprecedented crisis

“…Turkey has the third highest refugee burden after Lebanon and Jordan. Refugees constitute approximately 3.6% of the total population in Turkey, and their medical care is financially covered by the government . The favorable outcomes strengthen the imperative to facilitate appropriate treatment for displaced children, many of whom would have received curative therapy in their home countries before the conflict .…”

“…Refugees constitute approximately 3.6% of the total population in Turkey, and their medical care is financially covered by the government. 27 The favorable outcomes strengthen the imperative to facilitate appropriate treatment for displaced children, many of whom would have received curative therapy in their home countries before the conflict. 28,29 Indeed, some Syrians and Iraqis who left their countries in recent years were seeking medical treatment they could no longer obtain in their homeland.…”

The Prevalence of Anti-Rubella Antibodies in Pregnant Women of Turkey, Results of 94508 Patients in a Tertiary Referral Center

“…Despite the epidemics every 3-4 years, Turkey adopted the European Vaccine Action Plan which aimed to eliminate rubella from WHO regions [26]. The Ministry of Health of Turkey has conducted several targeted vaccination campaigns for not only Turkish people but also refugees [27,28]. Centers for disease control and prevention(CDC) recommends 2 dose of rubella vaccination (first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age) for efficient protection [29].…”