Access basic health care is one of the major concerns of the over 3 million refugees in Turkey. While emergency hospital treatment in Turkey is free of charge, many Syrian and refugees are reluctant to use these facilities due to language and cultural barriers. Many local health facilities are also struggling to cope with the influx of refugee patients. The EU and other donors are addressing this issue by providing financial support to primary or migrant health centres which have been set up by local and international NGOs.
Among the refugees, many Syrian health professionals have also been able to find employment in these health centers; this is much appreciated by the refugees who feel more comfortable being treated by Arab speaking doctors and nurses. The EU has also promoted the employment of Syrian medical personnel through a training program carried by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This training allows Syrian doctors to understand the rules and regulations governing the medical profession in Turkey and allows them to defer their patients to Turkish health facilities correctly and effectively.
With a grant of €2 million from the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey, WHO has already trained some one thousand Syrian doctors, nurses and translators, providing a vital service to the refugee community.
Video: EU
