Türkiye has reinforced its dedication to sharing its expertise in disaster health management with nations globally, underscoring the necessity of international collaboration to safeguard lives during significant emergencies. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu emphasized at the World Health Organization (WHO) Ministerial Conference in Istanbul that earthquakes pose a worldwide challenge requiring scientific cooperation and global solidarity. The event, focusing on “Protecting Health in Earthquakes – Strengthening Health Security Through Earthquake Emergency Management,” gathered representatives from approximately 40 countries to explore enhancing disaster readiness and reinforcing healthcare systems against earthquakes and other crises.
In his address, Memişoğlu underscored Türkiye’s extensive experience in disaster response, particularly highlighted by the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes. During these events, the country mobilized over 138,000 healthcare workers, emergency personnel, and support teams. Türkiye also executed one of its largest medical evacuation efforts, relocating more than 51,000 patients to hospitals outside the disaster-impacted areas, while swiftly setting up field hospitals and emergency medical facilities.
Memişoğlu noted Türkiye’s substantial investments in bolstering its healthcare infrastructure, which includes the development of resilient hospitals, emergency medical services, and digital health systems. The country has also made significant strides in air ambulance operations and the deployment of National Medical Rescue Teams (UMKE). He highlighted the GÖKBEY ambulance helicopter, a domestically developed aircraft designed to provide intensive care services in challenging terrains during disasters.
Looking forward, Türkiye is intensifying its preparations for future disasters, such as a potential major earthquake in the Marmara region. To this end, the country has unveiled a comprehensive earthquake preparedness model and introduced what it claims to be the world’s first Public Health Services in Earthquakes Guide. This guide includes detailed response strategies for Istanbul and other high-risk areas, aiming to enhance the nation’s readiness for seismic events.
Minister Memişoğlu reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to aiding disaster-stricken countries by sharing its knowledge, trained professionals, and emergency response capabilities. He stressed that facing large-scale disasters is not a challenge any nation can tackle alone, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in managing such crises effectively.