On 14 March 2025, health workers including TTB and SES members gathered at Taksim Square in Beyoglu, Istanbul to mark March 14 Medical Day and to protest issues in the healthcare sector, such as budget shortages and low-quality healthcare services.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On March 14, 2025, medical professionals held a peaceful demonstration at Taksim Square in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey, in observance of Medicine Day. Members of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and Health Workers' Union (SES) participated to raise concerns about budget shortages and declining quality of medical services, though this is classified as a low-risk peaceful assembly.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Medical supplies supply chain: If Turkey's healthcare sector budget shortages and service quality decline issues persist, delays in procurement of medical devices and pharmaceuticals and quality control issues may occur
• Istanbul logistics hub: Potential temporary traffic disruptions around Taksim Square area, but direct impact is limited as it is distant from major logistics infrastructure
• Turkish manufacturing: If healthcare sector instability becomes prolonged, concerns over increased health insurance cost burdens for local manufacturers and deteriorating healthcare accessibility for workers
• Regional commercial activities: Short-term impact on commercial facilities and tourism in the Beyoğlu area possible, but expected to be minimized given the peaceful nature of the assembly

3) Watch points

• Whether the Turkish government announces healthcare sector budget increases and improvement measures, and follow-up action plans by medical unions
• Confirmation of normalized operations at major Istanbul transportation routes and logistics facilities near the Bosphorus Strait