Türkiye is underscoring its dedication to sharing disaster health management expertise globally, highlighting the necessity of international collaboration for safeguarding lives during significant emergencies. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu emphasized this commitment at the World Health Organization (WHO) Ministerial Conference held in Istanbul, which focused on “Protecting Health in Earthquakes – Strengthening Health Security Through Earthquake Emergency Management.” This event united representatives from around 40 countries to deliberate on enhancing disaster preparedness and fortifying healthcare systems against earthquakes and other emergencies.
Memişoğlu pointed out the global challenge that earthquakes present, advocating for scientific collaboration and international unity. He drew attention to Türkiye’s robust disaster response, particularly following the catastrophic earthquakes in February 2023. In response to those earthquakes, Türkiye mobilized over 138,000 healthcare personnel, emergency responders, and support staff. Additionally, the country executed one of its most extensive medical evacuation efforts, relocating more than 51,000 patients to hospitals outside the affected areas while swiftly setting up field hospitals and emergency medical facilities.
Türkiye has made significant strides in bolstering its healthcare infrastructure, investing in resilient hospitals, emergency medical services, digital health systems, air ambulance operations, and National Medical Rescue Teams (UMKE). Minister Memişoğlu also highlighted the domestically developed GÖKBEY ambulance helicopter, engineered to provide intensive care during disasters in challenging terrains. These advancements underscore Türkiye’s readiness to enhance its disaster response capabilities further.
Looking forward, Türkiye is actively preparing for future disasters, including the potential of a major earthquake in the Marmara region. The country has introduced a comprehensive earthquake preparedness model and claims to have developed the world’s first Public Health Services in Earthquakes Guide, with detailed response plans specifically for Istanbul and other high-risk areas. These initiatives reflect Türkiye’s proactive approach to disaster readiness.
Minister Memişoğlu reaffirmed Türkiye’s pledge to aid disaster-affected nations by sharing its expertise, trained personnel, and emergency response capabilities. He stressed that confronting large-scale disasters requires collective effort, as no nation can manage such crises alone. This commitment to international cooperation in disaster health management represents a significant step toward a more resilient global community.