Türkiye has pledged to extend its disaster health management expertise globally, emphasizing the critical need for international collaboration to save lives during significant emergencies. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu highlighted this commitment while addressing the World Health Organization (WHO) Ministerial Conference on “Protecting Health in Earthquakes – Strengthening Health Security Through Earthquake Emergency Management” in Istanbul. He underscored that earthquakes pose a universal challenge necessitating scientific cooperation and global solidarity.
The conference, with delegates from around 40 countries, focused on enhancing disaster preparedness and bolstering healthcare systems to withstand earthquakes and other emergencies. Memişoğlu drew attention to Türkiye’s disaster response prowess, especially in the aftermath of the catastrophic February 2023 earthquakes. In response to these events, Türkiye mobilized over 138,000 healthcare staff, emergency responders, and support personnel. Additionally, the nation executed one of its most extensive medical evacuation operations, transferring more than 51,000 patients to hospitals beyond the disaster-stricken area, while swiftly setting up field hospitals and emergency medical facilities.
Türkiye has also fortified its healthcare infrastructure significantly through investments in robust hospitals, emergency medical services, digital health systems, air ambulance operations, and the National Medical Rescue Teams (UMKE). Memişoğlu introduced the domestically developed GÖKBEY ambulance helicopter, engineered to provide intensive care during disasters in challenging terrains.
Recognizing the potential threat of a major earthquake in the Marmara region, Türkiye is proactively enhancing its disaster preparedness. The introduction of a comprehensive earthquake readiness model and what is claimed to be the world’s first Public Health Services in Earthquakes Guide exemplifies this effort, featuring detailed response strategies for Istanbul and other high-risk regions.
Memişoğlu reiterated Türkiye’s dedication to aiding disaster-affected nations by offering its expertise, trained personnel, and emergency response capabilities. He stressed the importance of collective effort, noting that no country can confront large-scale disasters in isolation.