ISTANBUL, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 25,000 family physicians from Family Health Centers (ASMs) across Türkiye launched a five-day strike on Monday, demanding better working conditions and fairer pay.

The strike, involving over 8,000 ASMs, centers on a newly-issued, more stringent regulation that links payment to specific performance targets, which many physicians protest are virtually unattainable, according to a press release by the Istanbul Family Physicians Association.

The performance-based "Family Medicine Payment and Contract Regulation" came into effect on Nov. 1, 2024.

Ayse Tunc, a board member of the association, told Xinhua that under the regulation, physicians are penalized for factors beyond their control, such as patient ratings, the number of patients they see, and antibiotics prescribing.

According to Tunc, the strike, with ASMs halting services across the country until Jan. 10, has led to overcrowded emergency rooms, as patients now have to flock to hospitals for treatment.

"With appointments already full in hospitals, emergency units have become the only option for many ... overwhelming the system, according to our association's observation on Monday," Tunc said.

ASMs serve as primary care centers, managing routine and preventive care to alleviate pressure on Turkish healthcare facilities.

The latest strike followed two similar ones in November and December 2024 by family physicians, which lasted three and five days, respectively. ■