Türkiye has pledged to share its expertise in disaster health management with countries around the globe, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding lives during significant emergencies. At the World Health Organization (WHO) Ministerial Conference held in Istanbul, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu emphasized the global challenge posed by earthquakes, advocating for scientific cooperation and international solidarity. The conference gathered delegates from about 40 nations to deliberate on enhancing disaster preparedness and reinforcing healthcare systems to withstand earthquakes and other crises.
In his address, Memişoğlu highlighted Türkiye’s adeptness in disaster response, notably following the catastrophic earthquakes in February 2023. During this crisis, the nation deployed more than 138,000 healthcare workers, emergency personnel, and support staff. Additionally, Türkiye executed one of its largest medical evacuation efforts, relocating over 51,000 patients to hospitals outside the affected areas, while swiftly setting up field hospitals and emergency medical facilities.
Memişoğlu further noted that Türkiye has bolstered its healthcare infrastructure through investments in resilient hospital constructions, emergency medical services, and digital health systems. The country has also advanced its air ambulance operations and expanded the capabilities of the National Medical Rescue Teams (UMKE). A notable development is the GÖKBEY ambulance helicopter, which is domestically produced and designed to deliver intensive care in challenging terrains during disasters.
Looking forward, Türkiye is intensifying its preparations for future calamities, focusing on a possible major earthquake in the Marmara region. The nation has introduced a thorough earthquake preparedness model and claims to have developed the first-ever Public Health Services in Earthquakes Guide, which includes extensive response plans for Istanbul and other vulnerable areas.
Minister Memişoğlu reaffirmed Türkiye’s dedication to assisting disaster-affected countries by offering its expertise, trained personnel, and robust emergency response capabilities. He underscored the notion that no single country can handle large-scale disasters on its own, highlighting the necessity for united efforts and shared knowledge.