Healthcare Service Access and Utilization among Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Abstract

Background Aim: Many Syrian civil war refugees are housed in carefully designed camps, however 60% of all refugees in host countries reside outside of specifically designated camps. Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees displaced in the civil war of Syria. In the present study, we aimed to illustrate healthcare services provided to Syrian refugees in Turkey. Method: Data presented in this retrospective observational registry study was obtained from multiple sources including official websites and written communications contributed by Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Agency(AFAD), Turkish Ministry of Health and Turkish Red Crescent as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR). The number of refugee camps, total number of refugees housed in these camps, the demographic characteristics of the refugees and a breakdown of social and healthcare services provided in the camps including the number of healthcare professionals serving in the refugee camps were analyzed. Results: According to data from UNHCR as of January 12, 2017, there are 4,904,021 registered refugees from Syria of which 2,854,968 (58.2%) are residing in Turkey. Organized health care services specifically for Syrian refugees in Turkey was first established in April 29, 2011 in Hatay. Preventative health services are also provided for Syrian refugees. Among refugees living in the camps 25% and 33% were not vaccinated for polio and measles respectively. The percentage of unvaccinated refugees living outside the camps were even higher for these viruses (45% for polio and 41% for measles). This poses a public health threat for the population where these refugees reside. Conclusion: One of the major concerns for countries hosting refugees from Syria is the introduction of infectious diseases. Of the major deficiencies in refugee health care has been preventative services. Within refugee camps, preventative services for pregnant woman, newborns and young children as well as family planning services are not at optimal levels. These services are even more restricted for refugees living outside of established camps. There have also been shortcomings in the care of the elderly and those with chronic health problems.

A new perspective on the rise of tuberculosis cases: Communal living

“…As seen here, health service in refugee shelters could be considered sufficient. These services are even more limited for refugees living out of camp (38). As for this study, it has been seen that communal life certainly causes an increase in the number of contacted individuals but this rise is caused mostly by out of camp refugees rather than the ones living in tent cities.…”

Evaluating the Provision of Health Services and Barriers to Treatment for Chronic Diseases among Syrian Refugees in Turkey: A Review of Literature and Stakeholder Interviews

“…While Turkey has made great strides in providing primary care for its population of Syrian refugees through universal healthcare, the HTP, and the Family Medicine model, its healthcare system in its current state is not adequately equipped to address the chronic disease burden of this population [11]. Although Turkey has guaranteed individuals under TPR full access to health services, practical challenges and barriers to accessing healthcare among this vulnerable population still exist.…”

“…As such, there is a need to ensure that the burden of chronic disease among the Syrian refugee population in Turkey is adequately addressed through sustainable and equitable access to healthcare services [8,9]. Traditionally, host health systems and research efforts have prioritized emergency needs and infectious diseases to address immediate health needs spurred as a result of travel and poor health conditions in the country of origin and to contain the spread of disease [10,11]. Non-communicable diseases have received less traction, perhaps because of the challenges of providing continuous care to a large population and the less urgent nature by which these conditions typically transpire.…”

Vulnerabilities of Syrian refugee children in Turkey and actions taken for prevention and management in terms of health and wellbeing

“…The percentage of unvaccinated refugees living outside the camps were even higher for these viruses (45 % for polio and 41 % for measles). This poses a public health threat for the population where refugees reside ( Tayfur et al, 2019 ).…”

“…The provision of organized healthcare services specifically for Syrian refugees started on April 29, 2011 in Yayladagi, Hatay which was the first entry point of refugees at the time ( Tayfur, Günaydin, & Suner, 2019 ). The provision of healthcare services was reported to be accessible in camp settings as the camp residents had direct access to health centers from the earlier years of the crisis whereas urban refugees experienced difficulties in access especially prior to 2014 ( Zencir & Davas, 2014 ).…”