SHIFA Project in Turkey… A Comprehensive Vision for Strengthening Primary Healthcare

The SHIFA project is a major initiative launched by the Turkish Ministry of Health in partnership with the European Union and funded by the Council of Europe Development Bank, with the aim of strengthening healthcare infrastructure throughout Turkey.

SHIFA stands for Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure for All.

This large-scale project aims to strengthen primary healthcare and hospitals in Turkey by establishing and renovating health centers and providing advanced equipment, with strong financial support from the European Union and under the supervision of the Turkish Ministry of Health and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Through the implementation of this project, efforts are underway to expand access to health services, improve the quality of care, and provide a better treatment environment for all residents and host communities. The project ensures access to high-quality basic healthcare services for all residents, including refugees and host communities.

Project Beginning and History

The SHIFA Project began its planning phases in 2021, when the first steering committee meeting was held with representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Health, the Council of Europe Development Bank, and the European Union to establish the main frameworks for the initiative.

In the following years, funding was increased and the actual expansion phases began. The project receives a total funding of approximately 140 million euros, dedicated to improving healthcare infrastructure in the most densely populated areas, especially those hosting large numbers of refugees.

Main Objectives of the Project

The SHIFA Project focuses on several strategic objectives:

• Expanding the primary healthcare network by establishing or upgrading health centers in various Turkish provinces to provide comprehensive essential services.

• Reducing pressure on large hospitals by offering primary care closer to local communities.

• Meeting the needs of host communities and refugees through equal provision of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services.

• Equipping healthcare facilities with the latest medical devices to enhance service quality within centers and hospitals.

• Building physical therapy and rehabilitation units in hospitals to cover specialized rehabilitation needs.

What Has Been Achieved So Far?

• Opening new health centers:
  One of the key achievements of the SHIFA program is the opening of the new health center in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul in February 2026. This center provides wide-ranging primary healthcare services, including examinations, diagnostics, and follow-up care, aiming to serve all residents regardless of their background.

• Upgrading emergency units:
  As part of the project, the emergency unit at the Ankara Training and Research Hospital was updated, enhancing its ability to respond to emergencies and serve thousands of patients monthly.

• Equipping with medical devices:
  The project has started equipping centers and hospitals with modern equipment to provide effective diagnostic and therapeutic services, including advanced laboratories and imaging devices.

What Is Still Under Implementation?

• Establishing or renovating more than 80 health centers across various provinces in Turkey (some centers are yet to be opened).

• Equipping physical therapy and rehabilitation units in approximately 110 hospitals, many of which are still under construction.

• Continuing the supply of modern medical equipment to healthcare facilities, including diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic support tools.

Project Importance and Impact

The SHIFA Project represents a strategic step to strengthen the healthcare system in Turkey, not only at the level of primary care centers but also in hospitals and specialized rehabilitation services.

• The project contributes to reducing health disparities between different communities, ensuring good-quality healthcare services for all residents.

• It helps improve the accessibility of healthcare services close to local communities instead of forcing patients to travel to distant, large hospitals.

• It enhances health crisis response and the capacity of facilities to handle emergency cases.