Paper short abstract:

The study uses ethnographic methods to examine how Anatolian medicine is repositioning itself within a neoliberal framework and rebranding itself by incorporating traditional treatments such as herbal cures, spiritual therapy, and traditional therapies.

Paper long abstract:

Focusing on the interactive relationship between neoliberalism and the restructuring of the Turkish medical profession, this study scrutinizes how traditional medicine has become crucial in changing healthcare practices. Doing so offers a critical analysis on the development of the hybrid area known as "Anatolian medicine," which draws upon conventional therapeutic modalities. Drawing on literature on the sociology of expertise and professions, the research study examines how neoliberal policies have aided in the integration of alternative medical practices into mainstream healthcare. It is necessary to see these changes as a sign of a more extensive reorganization of Turkey's medical industry. Anatolian medicine is repositioning itself within a neoliberal framework and rebranding itself by incorporating alternative treatments such as herbal cures, spiritual therapy, and traditional therapies. The study uses ethnographic methods, participant observation at the hospitals and semi-structured interviews with policymakers, practitioners of complementary and traditional medicine, and healthcare professionals. It looks at how this reorganization fits in with neoliberal concepts of consumerism, individual choice, and healthcare driven by the market. The study also looks at how this change may affect professional relationships in the medical industry, with a particular emphasis on disputes and disagreements about the evolving responsibilities, roles, and jurisdictions of medical professionals. The way that the neoliberal agenda shapes the credibility and authority of medical professionals, both mainstream and traditional, is at the center of this investigation. The commodification of health, possible effects on patient care and public health policy are some issues that might come with this change.