Hospitals and healthcare in Trabzon: a guide for residents and visitors

Being close to good healthcare is one of the first things families ask about before buying, especially with elderly relatives or young children. And Trabzon, as the regional centre, serves the medical needs of all the eastern Black Sea provinces.

State hospitals

• Farabi University Hospital (KTÜ Farabi): the Karadeniz Technical University hospital, one of the largest and most specialised hospitals in the region.
• Kanuni Training and Research Hospital (Kanuni EAH): a large state hospital.
• Several other specialist hospitals as well, including one for cardiothoracic surgery.

Private hospitals

The city has private hospitals, some belonging to major Turkish healthcare groups, and appointments there are usually quicker. Some have international patient departments.

Emergencies

• Call 112 for ambulance and emergencies, free of charge.
• Emergency departments at state hospitals are open around the clock.

Family doctor

Registered residents can sign up with a family doctor (Aile Hekimi) in their neighbourhood for primary care, vaccinations and child check-ups.

Appointments

• State hospitals: through the central appointment system (MHRS), via the app or the website.
• Private hospitals: by calling directly or through their websites.

See the e-Devlet (Turkey’s e-government portal) guide for foreigners.

Pharmacies

• Found in every neighbourhood.
• The duty pharmacy (Nöbetçi Eczane) opens at night and on public holidays on a rota, and the names are posted on pharmacy doors.

Health insurance

A residence permit requires health insurance, and after a period of residence you can join the general health insurance scheme under certain conditions. Details in the guide to health insurance for foreign residents.

Healthcare and choosing where to live

• Ortahisar is the closest to the major hospitals. See the guide to living in Ortahisar.
• Yomra and Akçaabat are a reasonable distance away via the coastal road.
• The highlands are far from hospitals, so bear this in mind if someone in the family needs regular care.

Summary

Trabzon is the region’s medical centre: a large university hospital, state and private hospitals, free emergency care on 112, family doctors for residents and duty pharmacies. Make proximity to a hospital a criterion when choosing a neighbourhood if your family needs regular care.

Start with the guide to the best neighbourhoods in Trabzon for families, or contact us.