Within the scope of the project, workshops were planned with officials from the Ministry of Health, academics, and public health personnel to develop migrant health legislation, taking into account both current needs and field experiences. In this context, existing problems and possible solutions related to health services for migrants were discussed, and "Recommendation Documents" were prepared as policy proposals. As part of this activity, 3 policy documents and 3 regulations were produced.
The first of the Policy and Regulation Design Workshops was held in Antalya between February 1–3, 2023, with the participation of the EU Delegation, the relevant departments of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, and stakeholders. The meeting focused on the “Principles Regarding Health Services Provided to Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTP), Procedures and Principles of Voluntary Health Centers, and Procedures and Principles of Migrant Health Centres,” while possible amendments to these procedures and principles were also discussed.
Within the workshop, three working groups were formed, and each group discussed one of the specific topics mentioned above. As a result of the group work, proposals for new regulations and amendments to existing regulations were prepared. These proposals are currently under review by the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislation.
•In his closing speech, Laurent Guirkinger, Head of the FRIT Section and Counsellor at the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, said: “We highlight Türkiye’s innovative practices regarding health workers as among the best practices. We look forward to the necessary legislative updates to ensure the sustainability and improvement of Migrant Health Centers. We will continue our cooperation with Türkiye. When we work together, our chances of success increase.”
The second Policy and Regulation Design Workshop within the scope of the project was held on May 16–18, 2023, under the theme of “Human Resources.” Within the workshop, five working groups were formed, and discussions were carried out on the following specific topics:
•Introduction of a patient referral system to provinces where Migrant Health Centers (MHCs) are located, collection of co-payments from migrants under temporary protection, and efforts to prevent irregularities in health services,
•Mediation, reinstatement lawsuits, and management of disciplinary processes,
•Contract revisions under the SIHHAT-3 project, contract annexes, working hours, and definitions of equal labour rights,
•Occupational Health and Safety in MHCs, additional regulation concerning exceptions in the current legislation for Foreign Health Professionals (exception to the TÖMER B certificate requirement),
•Residence and work permits, and the security status of potential SIHHAT staff.
The third Policy and Regulation Design Workshop was held in Antalya on October 17–19, 2023, with the participation of 150 people. The workshop addressed the topics of “Chronic Diseases (Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases, Hypertension, Cancer).” Following the workshop, a recommendation/policy document was prepared on the subject.