Europeanization of the Turkish Health Policy: A Historical Exploration

This study examines varying levels in the Europeanization of health policies by taking Turkey as an example country. The institutional adaptation of regulatory institutions in the field of health at both legal and actual levels is analysed in this context. This study puts forward that the Europeanization of Turkey’s health policy and health care system has a long history which goes back to the 19th century. On the other hand, this process has been accelerated by having a candidate status and starting the negotiation process. It has also underlined that the demands of the EU to formulate health plans and programs in Turkey by providing financial resources and organizing principles constitute the main vehicle of Europeanization. The materialization of the Europeanization of Turkish health policies is in two main channels direct channel (alignment with the acquis) and indirect channel (spill-over effect). In this point, it suggests that the Europeanization in health policy will be achieved when supports with strong institutional capacity. The study, then, explores both the process of Europeanization beyond Europe and its limits when it is obstructed by domestic politics, interests, and institutions.