Türkiye is set to extend its expertise in disaster health management to countries across the globe, underscoring the necessity of international cooperation to safeguard lives during significant emergencies. This commitment was articulated by Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu at the World Health Organization (WHO) Ministerial Conference on “Protecting Health in Earthquakes – Strengthening Health Security Through Earthquake Emergency Management” in Istanbul. Memişoğlu emphasized that earthquakes pose a global challenge that can only be addressed through scientific collaboration and international solidarity.
The conference, which gathered representatives from around 40 nations, centered on enhancing disaster preparedness and fortifying healthcare systems against earthquakes and other emergencies. Türkiye’s response to the catastrophic earthquakes of February 2023, which included the deployment of over 138,000 healthcare workers, emergency responders, and support staff, was highlighted by Memişoğlu. He noted that Türkiye conducted one of its largest medical evacuation operations, moving more than 51,000 patients to hospitals outside the affected area and swiftly setting up field hospitals and emergency medical facilities.
Memişoğlu further elaborated on the significant advancements Türkiye has made in its healthcare infrastructure, particularly through investments in resilient hospitals, emergency medical services, digital health systems, and air ambulance operations. He also showcased Türkiye’s National Medical Rescue Teams (UMKE) and the GÖKBEY ambulance helicopter, which is designed for intensive care delivery in challenging disaster terrains.
In anticipation of future disasters, including a potential major earthquake in the Marmara region, Türkiye has rolled out a comprehensive earthquake preparedness model. The country has introduced what it claims to be the world’s first Public Health Services in Earthquakes Guide, which includes detailed response plans specifically for Istanbul and other high-risk areas. Memişoğlu reiterated Türkiye’s dedication to assisting disaster-stricken countries by sharing its expertise, trained personnel, and emergency response capabilities, emphasizing that no nation can effectively confront large-scale disasters on its own.