The problem of medical professionals leaving Turkey is becoming increasingly serious, primarily due to economic instability, deteriorating working conditions, and an increasing number of violent incidents. According to data, last year, approximately 2,700 doctors applied for a good conduct certificate, nearly double the number in 2021. The association states that the proportion of doctors leaving the country has increased 70-fold in the past 11 years.
Many doctors choose to seek work in Europe and North America, where salaries can be two to three times higher than in Turkey. Reasons for their departure include long working hours, low wages, and the escalating violence faced by hospital staff. Additionally, doctors in Turkey lack personal benefits and recognition for their work. Young healthcare professionals tend to seek work abroad because they see limited prospects in Turkish society.
The emigration of doctors has resulted in a significant shortage of medical services in Turkey, particularly in specialized fields such as oncology, rheumatology, and paediatric neurology. Medical personnel are most concerned about the violence directed towards them, often arising from patients or their relatives' frustration with long waiting times or inadequate treatment.
In addition to the healthcare industry, Turkey's broader issue of emigration has also garnered attention. According to data, approximately 139,531 Turkish citizens left the country in 2022, with the majority aiming to settle in Germany. The number of Turkish citizens applying for asylum has also been increasing, with the German government reporting a 203% increase in asylum applications from Turkish citizens in the first seven months of 2023 compared to the previous year.
This phenomenon of doctor brain drain causes a disproportionate loss to Turkey's healthcare system, and it is expected that in the coming years, many people will be unable to access the necessary healthcare services, potentially leading to increased preventable mortality rates. The issue of doctor emigration has far-reaching effects on Turkey's healthcare system and society as a whole. The departure of doctors has resulted in a significant gap in medical services, especially in certain specialized fields such as oncology, rheumatology, and paediatric neurology. This means that an increasing number of patients will be unable to receive timely and effective medical treatment, potentially resulting in delays and preventable deaths.
The deteriorating working conditions and rising instances of violence experienced by healthcare professionals are also causes for concern. Doctors are feeling frustrated and unsafe due to long working hours, low wages, and the constant threat of violence in hospitals. These factors have led to an increasing number of doctors choosing to leave Turkey in search of better job opportunities and living conditions.
In addition to the issue of doctor brain drain, Turkey is facing a broader problem of emigration. A significant number of Turkish citizens choose to leave the country, particularly for European countries. The reasons for their departure include economic instability, social unrest, high inflation rates, social polarization, and limited personal freedoms. These waves of emigration pose challenges to Turkey's economy and social development, and also indicate the concerns of Turkish citizens about the country's future prospects.
In conclusion, the issue of doctor brain drain is a serious challenge facing Turkey, with negative implications for the healthcare system and society as a whole. Addressing this problem requires the government to take measures to improve doctors' working conditions and remuneration, enhance the quality of healthcare services, and provide better career development opportunities for young healthcare professionals to retain talent. Simultaneously, it is necessary to address the broader social and economic issues in Turkey to improve citizens' quality of life and future prospects, reducing the inclination to emigrate.