Health care services in İstanbul for “Syrians of concern”

Abstract

Turkey has historically been a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants. Following the first entry to Turkey in 2011, the Syrian "influx" arrived in unexpected masses and individually. In June of 2019, Turkey continues to host 3,613,644 registered Syrians under temporary protection, of which 546,296 reside in Istanbul. Turkey is the country with the world's largest population and Istanbul is the city with the highest numbers of Syrians. During a time of unprecedented international migration and unparalleled human suffering, health care administrators of Istanbul as torchbearers, present experiences which will help lead the future of international migration. In this manuscript-effort they present lessonslearned for the world to benefit from. The transformation from "emigration" to "immigration" may transform the host country's demographic structure, from the standpoint that "emigration" defines departing from one's natural home; whereas, "immigration" implies permanent residence. Authors draw attention to policy considerations for integration. The major concern that "universal responsibility should spread more evenly across countries in times of global humanitarian need" is emphasized. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]