The Turkish government will give citizens in Bolu province smart cards for access to health care. The pilot, expected to roll out in March, is designed to prevent health care fraud and loss of data.

After an initial test of nine months, 300,000 people in Bolu will receive the cards. The smart cards are expected to be used throughout Turkey starting in 2009. The card contains information from people’s identity cards, prescription booklets, driver’s licenses, health information and tax identity cards. The card will also carry the fingerprints of the holder, which will allow for greater security and prevent identity theft.

The smart cards have been prepared by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey and the necessary card readers have been installed in state and private hospitals and pharmacies in Bolu province.