Istanbul to See Major Healthcare Expansion with 150 New Family Health Centers and Multiple Hospitals
Istanbul, March 11, 2026 – Istanbul Provincial Health Director Assoc. Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner announced a significant expansion of the city’s healthcare infrastructure, including the opening of 150 new family health centers in 2026 and several major hospitals by the third quarter of 2027. Dr. Güner shared these details during an iftar program in Bakırköy, where he met with members of the press.
Dr. Güner highlighted the ongoing developments, stating, “We plan to open many facilities in the third quarter of 2027, such as Bayrampaşa, Beykoz, and Sancaktepe City Hospitals. Additionally, we will open 150 Family Health Centers within 2026. Istanbul is undergoing a major transformation.”
New Hospitals and Continued Services
Among the major projects, the Sancaktepe City Hospital is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2027, boasting a capacity of 4,000 beds. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Hospital, with 1,453 beds, will emerge as a substantial medical facility in the Kozyatağı region. Furthermore, tenders have been completed for the Siyami Ersek and Numune Hospitals, with groundbreaking ceremonies expected soon.
The Sancaktepe project is currently 40% complete. Beykoz and Bayrampaşa State Hospitals are also under development, alongside projects for Mazhar Osman and Bakırköy Sadi Konuk Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital, which will have a 1,600-bed capacity. The second phases of Göztepe and Okmeydanı hospitals, including their twin blocks, are also planned. An oncology block for the Lütfü Kırdar Hospital in Kartal is scheduled for construction, and the oncology block at Haseki has been re-tendered and construction has resumed. The old Haseki building in Aksaray, with a 300-bed capacity, is also currently under construction.
Regarding existing services, Dr. Güner mentioned, “We continue evening polyclinics only on weekends due to Ramadan. After the Ramadan Bayram, they will continue to serve until 10:00 PM. We will also continue to provide services in operating rooms.”
Focus on Family Health Centers and Primary Care
Dr. Güner emphasized the importance of family health centers in the new healthcare strategy. “We will open 150 Family Health Centers within 2026 because there is no end to hospitals. We are now thinking of completing most of the work in family medicine practices,” he explained.
This new approach aims to decentralize some healthcare services, allowing many blood tests to be conducted at family health centers. If necessary, family doctors will be able to directly refer patients to tertiary hospitals without the need for additional appointments. “There is a big change in Istanbul. Our Minister of Health, Mr. Kemal Memişoğlu, is from Istanbul and knows Istanbul’s problems best. Our President is also from Istanbul. Therefore, Istanbul will continue to revolutionize healthcare in every aspect,” Dr. Güner added.
Enhanced Patient Convenience and Accessibility
The expansion is expected to bring significant convenience to citizens. As previously announced, citizens can now view their medical records and appointments via e-Nabız, a digital health platform, providing greater ease of access to their health information.
The comprehensive plan underscores a commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality across Istanbul, addressing the growing needs of its populace through both new facilities and enhanced primary care services.
