Conclusions

Turkey has achieved considerable health status improvements since the 1980s in major health status indicators. However, although infant mortality, child mortality and maternal mortality rates have decreased, and life expectancy at birth has increased over time, the indicators are still not compatible with the current development level of the country. In addition, regional inequalities constitute a challenge for the years ahead. Improved access to health care services in recent years has contributed positively to the improvements in health status; however, for further improvements, developments in the country’s socioeconomic level are also required