Improved healthcare infrastructure in Türkiye

Türkiye is home to one of the largest refugee communities worldwide, with almost 2.3 million Syrians under Temporary Protection and approximately 165 000 refugees and asylum seekers from other nations. Accommodating such a significant population places considerable pressure on essential public services, particularly healthcare. To address this, the CEB is supporting Türkiye’s Ministry of Health in rolling out an EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure in provinces with large populations of Syrian refugees.

This initiative, entitled Strengthening Health Care Infrastructure for All (SHIFA), involves building and renovating healthcare facilities and supplying medical equipment and materials, for the benefit of refugee and host communities alike. Key activities encompass constructing or refurbishing more than 80 health centres across 23 provinces, including 10 provinces affected by the 2023 earthquakes. Already 22 health centres have been rehabilitated, 56 are being built, and all works are expected to be completed by late-2027. In addition, 99 pieces of high-technology cardio surgery and intensive care unit equipment have been supplied to 45 hospitals, and 100 000 maternity kits have been delivered to support new parents. The project’s progress is a testament to the effective collaboration between the CEB, the Turkish Ministry of Health, and the EU.

Initially, the EU Facility for Refugees in Türkiye – a partnership launched by the EU and Türkiye in 2015 to support refugees and their host communities – provided €90 million for the project. In 2024, the EU allocated a further €50 million, specifically to bolster health infrastructure in earthquake-affected regions. This additional funding forms part of the EU’s broader response to the 2023 earthquakes and brings the total EU support for the SHIFA project to €140 million.

Improved healthcare infrastructure in Türkiye

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