Türkiye has reinforced its dedication to sharing disaster health management expertise with countries around the globe, underscoring the crucial role of international cooperation in safeguarding lives amid major emergencies. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu made this commitment clear during his address at the World Health Organization (WHO) Ministerial Conference on “Protecting Health in Earthquakes – Strengthening Health Security Through Earthquake Emergency Management” held in Istanbul. Memişoğlu emphasized that earthquakes are a worldwide concern demanding scientific collaboration and international solidarity.
The conference convened representatives from approximately 40 nations to explore strategies for enhancing disaster preparedness and fortifying healthcare systems against earthquakes and other critical emergencies. Memişoğlu spotlighted Türkiye’s extensive experience in disaster response, particularly following the catastrophic earthquakes of February 2023. In this crisis, more than 138,000 healthcare workers, emergency responders, and support staff were deployed, marking one of the country’s most significant medical evacuation efforts. Over 51,000 patients were transported to hospitals outside the affected region, and numerous field hospitals and emergency medical facilities were swiftly established.
The Health Minister highlighted Türkiye’s substantial enhancements to its healthcare infrastructure through investments in robust hospitals, emergency medical services, digital health systems, air ambulance operations, and National Medical Rescue Teams (UMKE). He also presented the GÖKBEY ambulance helicopter, a domestically developed innovation designed to provide intensive care during disasters in challenging terrains.
Looking forward, Türkiye is bolstering its preparedness for potential future disasters, including a significant earthquake anticipated in the Marmara region. The country has launched a comprehensive earthquake preparedness model and what it claims to be the world’s first Public Health Services in Earthquakes Guide, which includes detailed response plans for Istanbul and other high-risk zones.
Memişoğlu reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to assisting disaster-affected countries by sharing its expertise, trained personnel, and emergency response capabilities. He emphasized that no nation can confront large-scale disasters on its own, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support on a global scale.