The Swedish Health System from a Turkish Perspective: Universal Health Coverage and Comparative Analysis

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Swedish healthcare system from a Turkish perspective, focusing on its structure, financing, public health policies, and comparative health indicators. Sweden’s decentralized healthcare model, primarily funded through taxes (85% public funding, OECD Health at a Glance 2023), ensures universal coverage with minimal patient contributions. The system’s emphasis on preventive care, harm reduction policies, and digital health innovations, such as 100% electronic health record adoption, sets a global benchmark (WHO Europe 2023). In contrast, Turkey’s healthcare system, while strengthened by the Health Transformation Program, faces challenges like higher out-of-pocket payments (25% of health expenditure) and regional disparities (World Bank 2023). By comparing key indicators, including per capita health spending (Sweden: $6,200; Turkey: $1,800, 2022 PPP), physician density, and vaccination rates, the study highlights Sweden’s strengths and potential lessons for Turkey. The article concludes that adopting Sweden’s decentralized governance, harm reduction strategies, and data-driven policies could enhance Turkey’s healthcare system, tailored to its socio-economic context.