"Government Jeopardizes Health of Mothers and Babies!"

Member of the Turkish Medical Association's (TTB) Social Security Working Group Öztürk criticized the fact that especially indigent people without social security will be affected by revoking free-of-charge birth in hospitals: "The Social Security Board (SGK) forces poor women to give birth at home in unhealthy surroundings", comparing this situation to the health conditions of the Middle Ages.

Postulating the free-of-charge check-ups and births as a substantial right, Öztürk sees this approach of the SGK running contrary to common sense and conscience.

This practice was still free in 2008, but with the new legislation the relevant clause has been found omitted.

Most health hazards for babies in the first twelve months of their lives

Öztürk drew attention to the application's effect on both the mother's and the child's health.  "Although the rate of infant mortality has declined, considering infant mortality at the age between zero and twelve months, Turkey is only ahead in figures in comparison to Iraq among its neighbouring countries. The most risky period for infant mortality is the time shortly after birth. With its decision the SGK is forcing women to give birth in their homes in unhealthy conditions. This is extremely dangerous for both the mother's and the child's health."

Öztürk referred to a news item from Monday's Milliyet daily newspaper where Employment and Social Security Minister Ömer Dinçer was quoted as saying that the decision is going to be retained. Furthermore, Öztürk explained the effective law no. 5510 of the current Social Security and Health Insurance (SSGSS), pointing out that without insurance coverage people are obliged to pay out of their own pocket. He also emphasized the law's disadvantageous definition of emergency cases and faults in its applications.

"This is a general rule: health services in emergency situations are free of charge.Principally, nobody can think otherwise. It is impossible anyway to ask for money from a victim of a car accident being brought to the hospital fighting death. Yet, the definition of emergency is being held very wide and flexible. The SGK does not accept a state of emergency in many cases, but instead is pushing for the payment with or without health insurance."

"Even in capitalist countries check-ups and giving birth are free of charge"

When it comes to health issues of mothers and babies, Öztürk says that there is no difference in financial coverage between socialist and capitalist countries. Some states finance these services with a health service tax. In Öztürk's opinion, the SSGSS is reluctant to think of alternative ways to handle the situation, as there are free health services in many other countries. In the broad field of insurances, coverage of check-ups and giving birth is one of the few services all countries agree on. Due to Öztürk this is one reason why the SGK's decision to lift the free heath service cannot be accepted. (BÇ/VK/AG)