Last update:
09-Sep-2020

The review of the historical process of haemodialysis (HD) application in Turkey from the beginning to the present. It can easily be seen that the founders on Nephrology made great sacrifices that these days have not been easily reached. The establishment of dialysis centres was also timeconsuming and difficult. The first application was made in 1962 at the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine. This was followed in 1965 by the Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty. Dialysis recording systems started in 1989. Today, there are about 884 HD centres in Turkey, two-thirds of which are private and one-third public. The fees of these patients are covered by the government and no extra payment is required. These centres are spread all over Turkey and there is no patient who has died due to lack of HD treatment. Patients are taken from and to their homes free and meals are provided by HD centres. Procedures and regulations related to HD are thoroughly arranged. All centres are supervised twice a year. A certificate program has been implemented since 2000 and authorised staff has been trained and given five-year certificates. Recent data shows that in Turkey there are about 63,349 patients and 17,322 devices. The annual mortality rate is 15%. The number of patients who use home HD has exceeded 800, placing Turkey in third position in Europe.

Key words: History of haemodialysis Turkey, Home dialysis Turkey, Renal Registry Turkey.