An investigation into the economies of scale in turkish ministry of health hospitals

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to estimate economies of scale in Turkish Ministry of Health hospitals. Turkey is in the process of changing their healthcare system. Estimating economies of scale for Turkish hospitals will help funding decisions as Turkey determines whether to build, expand, or consolidate hospitals. The structural changes currently taking place provide an opportunity to revamp the way healthcare is provided so that access to and efficiency within healthcare can be increased in a cost effective manner. Data are collected from the Ministry of Health. The results suggest there is an optimal size for Turkish hospitals. Also, this study shows that hospitals in certain regions of Turkey are more efficient than other regions. Determining the characteristics of efficient hospitals is important if Turkey is to properly allocate scarce healthcare funding.

Citation

Tarcan, M., Çelik, Y., Plante, C. and Younis, M. (2015), "An investigation into the economies of scale in turkish ministry of health hospitals", Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 98-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBAFM-27-01-2015-B004