Turkiye will get a major financial boost from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), with €700 million set aside to improve healthcare services and help communities still recovering from last year’s deadly earthquakes.
The announcement was made on Wednesday and includes two large-scale projects aimed at both strengthening hospital infrastructure and rebuilding basic city services.
The funding was approved to support Turkiye’s efforts to rebuild after the massive earthquakes in February 2023. Many towns and cities were left in need of serious repair, and the bank’s decision brings hope to millions still dealing with the aftermath. The money is expected to support both long-term improvements and urgent recovery needs.
The IDB has agreed to fund the reconstruction of two large hospitals in Istanbul with €500 million. These hospitals will be upgraded to withstand future earthquakes and will be better equipped to serve a growing number of patients. One hospital, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, will expand its bed capacity fivefold and increase its emergency care and surgical services. Annual outpatient visits there are also expected to more than double.
The project comes at a time when Istanbul’s healthcare system is facing pressure from rising demand. The upgrades are aimed at making services more reliable during natural disasters. The Turkish government will handle the supply of medical equipment and staff needed to operate the improved hospitals. Additional support will come from the Council of Europe Development Bank to complete the work.
The rest of the funding, €200 million, will go toward a separate project that focuses on helping municipalities recover from the quake. The goal is to rebuild essential services like clean water, waste treatment, and public transport. The project will help affected cities become more prepared for future disasters by creating safer and more durable infrastructure.
These new developments are expected to improve daily life for millions of people. Construction, technical studies, and equipment purchases will begin soon. This move reflects Turkiye’s aim to rebuild smarter and safer while ensuring communities get the services they need.
The Islamic Development Bank’s investment is one of the largest disaster-related recovery packages offered to Turkiye in recent years. It comes as the country continues to rebuild and strengthen systems that were damaged in the earthquake. The projects are expected to bring long-term benefits to healthcare and city life.