Health Minister Memişoğlu's Statement on the Preventive Healthcare System

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that they have set the goal for the new era in Turkey's healthcare system as strengthening preventive healthcare services before illness occurs.

New Era Focused on Preventive Health

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu stated that the new goal of Turkey's healthcare system is not to treat diseases after they emerge.

Minister Memişoğlu expressed that they are developing a system that teaches healthy living without waiting for citizens to demand health services.

Role of Family Physicians and Screenings

It was conveyed that the role of family physicians in preventive healthcare services has been increased and that they conduct follow-ups for hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

It was reported that 35 million people have undergone chronic disease screenings in the past year and a half, and early cancer diagnoses were made for 36,000 individuals.

Activities of Healthy Life Centers

It was announced that there are 536 Healthy Life Centers across Turkey, with 24 centers serving in Istanbul and this number set to increase.

It was emphasized that experts such as dietitians, psychologists, physiotherapists, and child development specialists work in these centers, and cancer screenings are performed free of charge.

Healthcare System in the International Arena

It was argued that Turkey has solved the issue of access to healthcare services over the last 25 years and achieved one of the best positions in the world.

It was stated that the developed healthcare system serves as an example to other countries and has started to be exported to the world.

Decline in Infant Mortality Rates

Touching upon data regarding infant mortality, it was conveyed that the rate, which was 31.5 per thousand in 2002, recorded a significant decrease.

Information was shared that the current infant mortality rate has dropped to the level of 7.8, reaching the level of developed countries.