SECTORS ::  HEALTHCARE

The healthcare system in Turkey has entered a long period of development under the 2003-2013 Health Transformation Program. The purpose of the program is to increase the quality and efficiency of the healthcare system and enhance access to healthcare facilities.

 

According to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Turkey (IEIS), the Turkish pharmaceutical market was around USD 9.2 billion in 2010, up from USD 4 billion in 2003, growing by 12.6 percent of CAGR. There are 49 manufacturers in the industry, and 13 of them are foreign investors. The industry employs approximately 25,000 people.

 

The General Directorate of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy, a division of the Ministry of Health, is in charge of the regulation and control of pharmaceutical prices. Manufacturers and importers are obliged to apply to the Ministry of Health for the authorization of new product prices, as well as for price increases and decreases.

 

Historical Timeline of the Development of the Turkish Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry

1952-1972

Beginning of the “industrial period” (1952)

Formation of modern manufacturing facilities

Commencement of raw material manufacturing

Production of 95 percent of all products domestically

 

1973-1990

Stagnation period until 1984

Introduction of Good Manufacturing Practices (1984)

Advanced technological development through heavy investment

 

1990-2003

Market growth by 10 percent annually on average

Unstable pricing and reimbursement policies

 

2004-2007

New pricing regulation based on reference prices

VAT rate reduced to 8 percent

New registration regulation

Data exclusivity for original products

Transfer of SSK hospitals to the Ministry of Health

 

2008-onwards

Introduction of the new R&D Law

Introduction of the Universal Health Insurance System