Turkish Social Security Institution's healthcare spending surged by 77 pct in 2024

The Social Security Institution (SGK) saw a sharp rise in health expenditures in 2024, reaching 980.8 billion Turkish liras, up from 553.1 billion liras in 2023, which marked a 77% increase.

Tuesday March 11 2025 12:27 am

Duvar English

Turkey’s Social Security Institution (SGK) experienced a significant surge in health expenditures in 2024, reaching approximately 980.8 billion Turkish liras ($30.17 billion), up from around 553.1 billion liras ($23.04 billion) in 2023.

This increase represents a 77% rise in healthcare spending in one year.

Of the 980.8 billion liras spent on healthcare in 2024, 663.3 billion liras was allocated for treatment, 305.4 billion liras for medication, 4 billion liras for prescription service fees, and 7.6 billion liras was categorized under “other expenses," according to a report by the daily BirGün.

SGK’s expenditures on private hospitals also witnessed a dramatic increase. In 2023, 34.5 billion TL was spent on private hospitals, whereas this figure doubled in 2024, reaching 69.3 billion liras, marking an annual increase of 35 billion liras.

In the January-September period of 2023, SGK processed roughly 350,000 invoices, paying a total of 142.2 billion liras. In the same period of 2024, the number of invoices rose to about 376,000, with total payments soaring to 235.6 billion liras, signalling hikes in the drug prices.

The average cost per prescription increased from 406 TL in 2023 to 627 TL in 2024.

Limited oversight, compliance issues

SGK’s 2024 report also detailed regulatory oversight in the healthcare sector. Out of over 550 private hospitals in Turkey, only 87 hospitals and six medical centers were audited.

The institution also investigated 14,821 individuals suspected of benefiting from healthcare services unlawfully. Following the audits, total financial losses to SGK were calculated at 173.3 million liras.

Hospitals found to have violated the Health Services Agreement faced proposed fines totaling 881.6 million liras.

The average exchange rate was 24.01 TL/USD in 2023, while it increased to 32.51 TL/USD in 2024.