Health Minister Memişoğlu's Statements on Health and Preventive Services at Quarantine Island
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that Turkey is the only country providing smoking cessation medication free of charge and that midwifery support will be provided to first-time mothers.
Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu evaluated Turkey's health infrastructure, preventive health services, and efforts to combat addiction during a live broadcast he attended at Quarantine Island in Urla district of İzmir.
Quarantine Island and City Hospitals
Speaking at the consultation camp held on the historical Quarantine Island in İzmir's Urla district, Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu stated that international trainings, UMKE, and disaster exercises have been carried out on the island following the restoration in 2018.
Emphasizing that Turkey has reached a bed capacity of over forty-two thousand with city hospitals, Minister Memişoğlu conveyed that the construction of eleven new city hospitals continues and that healing is provided to three million patients from abroad every year.
Preventive Health and Wellness Era
Touching upon preventive health services and the wellness era, Minister Memişoğlu stated that dietitians, psychologists, physiotherapists, and cancer screenings are offered completely free of charge to citizens at healthy life centers.
Minister Kemal Memişoğlu shared their determination on this issue with the public, stating that Turkey is the only country in the world that provides smoking cessation medication free of charge.
Efforts to Combat Addiction
Stating that they have established a new model in the fight against addiction with the Healthy Life Village established in Sancaktepe, Minister Memişoğlu indicated that the ongoing efforts carry great importance in terms of public health.
It was reminded that citizens can receive uninterrupted and free service twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week through the ALO 191 Addiction Line and the ALO 171 Smoking Cessation Line.
Special Midwife Support for Expectant Mothers
Minister Memişoğlu announced during the live broadcast that a new support mechanism will be implemented for women who will become mothers for the first time.
It was reported that in order to reduce cesarean section rates and encourage natural birth, a midwife will be assigned to all expectant mothers expecting their first baby in the last three months, and these midwives will prepare the expectant mothers for birth.