BACKGROUND:
Global mobility for healthcare is increasingly influenced by political and economic structures rather than purely medical needs. Turkey has become a key destination for Central Asian patients seeking high-quality care. However, access remains uneven, shaped by political relations, economic agreements, and governance models that prioritize competitiveness over equity. Understanding how these political and economic determinants interact is crucial for designing fairer frameworks for cross-border healthcare.

OBJECTIVE:
This study explores the political and economic determinants that shape healthcare access for Central Asian patients in Turkey, analyzing how trade policies, diplomatic ties, and financial barriers influence the inclusiveness of Turkey’s health system. It aims to situate these dynamics within the broader debate on global health governance and equitable medical mobility.

METHODS:
A qualitative policy analysis was conducted using national health policy documents of Turkey, bilateral cooperation agreements with Central Asian states, and secondary data from WHO, OECD, and World Bank reports. The study also reviews economic indicators and patient mobility statistics to assess how global market forces intersect with state-level governance.

RESULTS:
Findings reveal that while Turkey’s expanding health sector strengthens regional health diplomacy, unequal economic arrangements and inconsistent governance frameworks perpetuate disparities in access. The absence of harmonized global mechanisms for patient rights, pricing, and insurance portability further deepens inequities.

CONCLUSIONS:
Political and economic determinants are central to understanding cross-border healthcare governance. Strengthening global health governance requires not only technical reforms but also political commitment to fairness, transparency, and economic solidarity between receiving and sending countries.