Date of publication: 12 November 2025
Official Gazette number: 33075
Published by: the Ministry of Health
The purpose of the regulation
The new regulation aims for promotional and informational activity in healthcare to be carried out ethically, accurately and in the public interest.
The goal is to prohibit advertising in healthcare entirely and to permit only the sharing of information-focused content.
Scope
These rules cover:
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Physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals,
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Private healthcare institutions,
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International health tourism intermediary organisations.
All promotional activity carried out by these individuals and institutions is subject to this regulation.
Legal basis
The regulation was prepared on the basis of:
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Law No. 1219 on the Practice of Medicine,
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Law No. 3359 on Basic Healthcare Services,
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Presidential Decree No. 1
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Principles of Promotion and Information
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Advertising is prohibited.
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Posts must carry an informational purpose only.
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Ethical and scientific accuracy is the basis.
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Expressions that disparage other institutions, or that are exaggerated or misleading, may not be used.
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Patient reviews, thank-you messages, campaigns and discounts count as advertising and are prohibited.
- Only authorised healthcare professionals may provide information.
- Social media posts are also subject to these rules.
Privacy and the Use of Images
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Patient data must be kept confidential; nothing may be shared without consent.
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For "before and after" images, explicit consent must be obtained and the date must be stated.
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Digital manipulation, aesthetic alteration or images of intimate areas are prohibited in visuals.
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Images may be shared only by the relevant healthcare professional or institution.
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Every post must carry the following warning:
"In every surgical or interventional procedure, results may vary from person to person. You are advised to get detailed information from your physician before the procedure."
International Health Tourism
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Promotion may be carried out only by facilities holding a Ministry authorisation certificate.
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It may target audiences abroad but may not target Turkish citizens.
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Use of the HealthTürkiye logo is mandatory.
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Discount or campaign announcements may be made only within the scope of health tourism.
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Radio and TV Programmes
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Healthcare workers appearing on air are required to sign an undertaking.
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If statements made on air contravene the regulation, the Ministry opens an investigation.
Commission, Supervision and Penalties
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A "Promotion and Information Commission" will be set up in every province.
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Social media, internet and press posts will be monitored regularly.
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Where non-compliant posts are identified, administrative sanctions are applied.
The penalties include:
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Administrative fines,
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Disciplinary proceedings,
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In the case of unauthorised healthcare services, a criminal complaint to the public prosecutor,
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Where there is a KVKK breach, data protection sanctions,
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Where necessary, an access blocking decision.
Entry into Force and Final Provisions
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The previous regulation dated 29 July 2023 has been repealed.
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The new regulation entered into force on 12 November 2025.
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The Minister of Health is responsible for implementing the regulation.
Note: the content written here is a summary as we interpret the regulation. You are therefore advised to read the regulation itself carefully before taking action.
