Hospital supply and infant mortality: Evidence from Islamic political representation in Turkey

Bilge Erten () and Yunus Cem Yılmaz ()
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Bilge Erten: Northeastern University
Yunus Cem Yılmaz: Analysis Group

Journal of Population Economics, 2025, vol. 38, issue 1, No 22, 26 pages

Abstract: Abstract We investigate the impact of healthcare facility supply on infant mortality by exploiting a change in local governments in Turkey as a quasi-exogenous shock to local hospital supply. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find a significant decline in infant mortality in municipalities where an Islamic mayor was barely elected. Exploring potential channels, we document a significant increase in the number and size of hospitals and health clinics in treated municipalities. Moreover, children in these municipalities are more likely to be born in government facilities, receive treatment for cough and fever, benefit from a greater number of childhood vaccinations, and have more prenatal care visits before birth. Our findings highlight that investments in public healthcare facilities in disadvantaged areas can have substantial effects on the survival of infants.

Keywords: Health infrastructure; Hospitals; Infant mortality; Close elections; Turkey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I12 I15 I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s00148-025-01063-w

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