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

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.