Abstract:

The objective is to increase accessibility to healthcare services in Turkey since 2003. This study aims to analyze the impact of the health reforms in Turkey on the satisfaction level of households. The relationship between satisfaction and socio-economic characteristics has also been studied as an indicator of health inequality. Method: The data analysis was carried out using the Turkish Life Satisfaction Survey of 2003 and 2012. This study is based on the patient’s health satisfaction and the problems they face during the last visit to health centers. While analysis is made by public/private distinction through t-tests of general satisfaction in health services and health issues and statistical tests such as Ki-Kare, the stereotype sequential logistic regression model has been used to analyze the impact of socioeconomic characteristics on health satisfaction. Results: As a result of the Health Transformation Program, the percentage of people "very satisfied" and "satisfied" in terms of health care satisfaction was 39% in 2003 and this number rose to 76% in 2012. Every two years of the study, men, married and elderly are more likely to be satisfied with health care. Over the time period, as a result of the reforms, the rate of complaints from basic health services has decreased by approximately 20 to 25 points. The result: on the one hand, the overall patient satisfaction increases; on the other hand, the health care services in public and private health centers have reduced the satisfaction difference. In light of the results obtained by the study, the reforms in the health sector have shown that access to health services has increased and the indirect health inequality has been reduced.

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