However, this aspect of health care is just one part of major reforms taking place in the area of social services, in Turkey. Another recent development, is a change in the way in which local medical services are delivered.

Family Doctor practices
Dr Cem Tolunay told KTLN that Turkey now operates local, family doctor practices - like GP practices in the UK. The changes have been gradually rolled out across the country, and now Antalya region has adopted this new system.

The two doctors in Kalkan, Dr Cem Tolunay and Dr Niyazi Öncüler, have been given a list of all local residents, (everyone with a TC number, or Kimlik), which they have shared between them. So all of the people listed now have their own GP.

So, what about foreigners in Kalkan?
Well, if you come to Kalkan as a tourist, nothing changes. If you fall ill on holiday, and require medical treatment, you can call the doctor, as before. You have to pay, then claim back on your travel insurance, if you have any.

If you live here, but have not applied for residency, i.e. you renew your visa every 90 days, these changes won't apply to you right now.

However, the indications are that a new visa system will be introduced by the end of spring 2011, which will put an end to the visa runs. If the new visa rules come in, and you decide to apply for residency, this family doctor scheme will then apply to you.

Dr Cem Tolunay told KTLN that if you are a foreign resident, with an ikamet, (residency permit), you should register as a patient.

All registered foreign residents are given a Kimlik (Turkish ID) number - it's a long number beginning with the digits '99'. You need to provide this to a doctor in Kalkan, and he will then register you on the system.

How do I register?
Simply call in to the Medical Centre on Kalamar Road, and provide the doctor with your name and Kimlik number.  He will input your details into the system, and register you.  That's all there is to it.

You can register with either doctor, Dr Cem Tolunay or Dr Niyazi Öncüler.  When one doctor is on holiday, the other one covers for his patients.

Alternatively, if you wish to register, but can't get down to the Medical Centre, Dr Cem Tolunay has agreed that you can contact him via the KTLN website, and provide him with your Kimlik number. 

You can check that you have been registered as a patient, by logging on to the following website, and typing in your Kimlik (ID number).

Turkish Government Health Website

If you are registered, you will see the name of your doctor. If it returns no details, then you are not registered.

Why should I register?
If you have a Kimlik, you are required to register with your local doctor. There are benefits.

According to Dr Cem Tolunay, registration entitles you to free consultations at the Medical Centre on Kalamar Road.

You will also be seen free of charge for routine things, such as cuts and bruises, minor burns, or other problems where you can be treated as an outpatient.  You will however, have to pay for any medicines.

If, following a consultation, you require additional treatment, this would have to be paid for, either by you, or by your insurers, if you have private medical cover. 

And that's where we come back to UHI.  We are still waiting for clarification on the details of UHI implementation.  When we hear anything, you will be able to read about it here, on KTLN.

If you wish to read more about the establishment of these new, family doctor practices, you can read more in this Today's Zaman article: Today's Zaman report