Public policies that can be implemented to struggle with celiac disease in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract. Celiac is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine by the ingestion of a substance, called gluten that is found in cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. The ingested foods are broken down into their components and got into the blood thanks to the projections, called villus, in the small intestine. Foods containing gluten reduce the surface area of the intestine by damaging the villus projections and foods are rendered into a non-absorbable form. As a result, nutritional deficiency along with many problems will arise. The only treatment for patients with celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. There are many problems present from unavailability of gluten-free products to the high cost. The state may intervene in celiac disease for reasons such as imperfect information, external costs, public goods, principal-agent problem, imperfect competition conditions and demerit goods. The aim of the study is to raise awareness for celiac disease in Turkey and to develop public policy recommendations that can be implemented in struggling with the disease. 

Keywords. Health, Public Policy, Taxation and Subsidies.

JEL. I10, I18, H20.