Entrepreneurs looking to open a private hospital in Turkey must comply with legal regulations and strict requirements set by the Ministry of Health. Private hospitals operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, and they must meet certain facility and licensing standards.

In this article, we will provide comprehensive information about The Process and Requirements for Opening a Private Hospital in Turkey, including the licensing process, required documents, and relevant regulations

Who Can Open a Private Hospital?

In Turkey, graduates of medical faculties can open private medical practices. However, opening a private hospital requires fulfilling specific legal procedures. Other healthcare professionals can establish clinics or medical centers but are not permitted to open full-scale hospitals.

Requirements for Opening a Private Hospital

Those wishing to open a private hospital must first obtain pre-approval (preliminary permit) from the Ministry of Health. The suitability of the hospital building and its bed capacity are among the most critical factors for obtaining a license.

1. Minimum Bed Capacity

• Private hospitals must have at least 100 patient beds.
• The number of intensive care unit (ICU) beds and incubators cannot exceed 30% of the total bed capacity.

2. Can Existing Small Hospitals Continue Operating?

• Private hospitals with fewer than 100 beds but with at least 33 specialist doctors may increase their bed capacity to 100.
• Hospitals operating in a closed area exceeding 25,000 m² must employ at least twice the minimum required number of specialist doctors.

Required Number of Specialist Doctors

• A private hospital must start operations with at least four clinical specialists.
• At least one-quarter of the total allocated positions determined by the Ministry must consist of clinical specialists.
• Within two years, 75% of the total allocated positions must be filled; otherwise, the unfilled positions will be revoked.

What Happens in Case of Staff Shortages?

• If the number of clinical specialists falls below four, the hospital’s operations may be suspended for up to two years.
• If the issue is not resolved within this period, the hospital’s license will be revoked.

Private Hospital Location Requirements

The hospital building must meet the environmental and infrastructure criteria established by the Ministry of Health:

1. Health Facility Compliance Certificate: A document proving that the area is suitable for private healthcare services.
2. Environmental Impact Report: A report confirming that the hospital is not exposed to air, water, or noise pollution.
3. Green Space Compliance Certificate: A document issued by the local municipality, ensuring adequate green space has been allocated for the hospital.
4. Transportation Accessibility Report: A document confirming that the hospital is accessible and meets transport infrastructure requirements.
5. Parking Facility Requirement: The hospital must provide sufficient parking for patients, visitors, and staff.

Preliminary Permit and Licensing Process

Before opening a private hospital, obtaining a preliminary permit from the Ministry of Health is mandatory. The following documents must be submitted:

1. Application petition prepared by the hospital owner
2. Health facility compliance documents
3. Complete architectural project documentation, including:
   • 1/500 or 1/200 scale site plan
   • 1/100 or 1/50 scale floor plans
   • Cross-sections including the operating room
4. Fire safety compliance certificate from the fire department
5. Trade Registry Gazette showing the company’s ownership structure and capital details

Approval Process and Timelines

• The Ministry of Health reviews applications within 30 days, provided that all documents are complete.
• If there are missing documents, the applicant will be notified in writing.
• The preliminary permit can only be transferred once, subject to the Ministry’s approval.

Appointment of a Responsible Manager

Every private hospital must have a full-time responsible manager who oversees medical, administrative, and technical operations. The responsible manager must:

• Be legally authorized to practice medicine in Turkey.
• Have at least five years of professional experience.
• Be responsible for the overall hospital management and compliance.

Required Medical Equipment for Private Hospitals

The required medical equipment and infrastructure depend on the hospital’s specialization areas. Some essential medical equipment includes:

• For general hospital services: Patient beds, blood pressure monitors, stretchers, oxygen cylinders, and defibrillators.
• For operating rooms: Sterilization devices, anesthesia machines, surgical lights.
• For intensive care units (ICUs): Monitors, ventilators, oxygen systems.

Conclusion

Opening a private hospital in Turkey is a complex process that requires strict compliance with legal, architectural, and medical regulations. Seeking professional consultancy can help speed up the licensing process and avoid potential legal issues.

For more information on private hospital licensing and regulatory requirements, feel free to contact us.