Health Minister Dr. Fahrettin Koca, together with Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, made statements at the Emergency Coordination Center in Hatay, where search and rescue efforts continue after the earthquakes that affected 10 provinces.
Emphasizing that health services are provided in the entire earthquake region and the health system is working, Dr. Koca stated that as of yesterday, tertiary health care services started to be provided in Hatay, which was most affected by the earthquake.
Stating that the university hospital in Hatay provides all health services, only 64 beds out of 600 bed capacity and 28 of 72 intensive care beds are occupied, Dr. Koca continued his words as follows:
“Health services are provided in full in other provinces as well. The personnel we have assigned to the region serve wholeheartedly. I specifically request our health personnel who want to participate in health services voluntarily in the earthquake area, taking into account the decrease in the number of patients, to stay where they are and to inform our provincial health directorates that they are volunteers.”
Qualified procedures have become possible in the disaster area
Pointing out that while the number of patients requiring emergency intervention in earthquake regions has decreased, the need for qualified procedures has increased, Minister of Health Dr. Koca said, “So far, referral to nearby provinces has been preferred. Now, qualified procedures can be performed in the disaster area, and physicians from other provinces have begun to be assigned.”
Necessary measures are taken against possible infections
Underlining that mobile pharmacies have started to be opened in the disaster area and health services continue to be delivered to the villages, Dr. Koca continued his words as follows:
“The Public Health Coordination centers were established. Necessary measures are taken against infections that may occur after the earthquake. Rabies and tetanus vaccines were sent to the region. The Public Health centers also provide support for hygiene materials. I would like to express once again that the health system works in the disaster area. The state and the people are here. Our medical army is here and at the service.”
We will return to routine health care in our hospitals
Emphasizing that the transfer of patients from the region is only made for special needs, Dr. Koca said, “Otherwise, routine health services will be provided at the hospitals. Therefore, we do not need emergency medical personnel. Volunteer colleagues can report to the provincial health directorates for the personnel need and for the delivery of special services to regional hospitals.
Minister Koca said, “It is possible that the efforts of our colleagues who, with all their good intentions, want to serve independently from the organization of our Ministry, by coming to the region with their own means, are wasted. They should not forget that they may cause logistical problems.”
80 thousand 516 tetanus vaccines and 3,000 doses of tetanus serum were sent to the provinces of the region
“Since the first day of the earthquake, 80 thousand 516 tetanus vaccines and 3,000 doses of tetanus serum have been sent to our regional provinces immediately.” said Dr. Koca.
Stating that 549 health personnel, including psychiatrists and psychologists, were assigned for the psychosocial support activities carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Family and Social Services in the disaster area, Dr. Koca said that psychosocial support services have also been started for children who do not have an accompanying person and are being treated in hospitals.
14,604 search and rescue personnel are working in the field
Minister Koca stated that 2 thousand 749 buildings have been destroyed so far in Hatay, 7 thousand 37 people lost their lives and 17 thousand 851 people were injured.
Stating that a total of 14,604 search and rescue personnel, 3 thousand 40 of whom came from foreign countries, were on duty in the field, Dr. Koca said that a total of 14 thousand 202 tents were distributed to the citizens in the tent cities established in 16 regions under the coordination of AFAD, hot meals were provided in 84 locations in all districts. Healso noted that up to 453 thousand 270 meals were distributed.
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