Important Statements from President Erdoğan at the Opening of Samsun City Hospital

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his speech at the opening ceremony of the newly completed city hospital in Samsun, stated that the project was his own dream, recounted the difficulties of the healthcare system in old Turkey, and reacted to criticisms from the opposition.

Opening of Samsun City Hospital

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the official opening ceremony of Samsun City Hospital and delivered a speech. Having started construction in 2020 and completed this year, the hospital began serving citizens in all its units on March 9, 2026.

Memories of the Old Healthcare System

In his speech at the ceremony, Erdoğan stated that the city hospitals project was his own dream, drawing attention to the healthcare system troubles experienced in the past. Expressing that he himself had suffered greatly in the past as an SSK-affiliated worker, he reminded younger generations of the old hospital conditions.

Technical Specifications of the Hospital

Samsun City Hospital was built on an area of 234 thousand square meters using 1,027 earthquake isolators. The facility stands as the region's most important healthcare base with a capacity of 1,458 beds, 230 intensive care beds, 40 operating rooms, and 320 outpatient clinics.

Investment and Employment Details

Realized with a total investment cost of 17 billion liras, a total of 5,419 healthcare professionals, including 548 specialist physicians, work at the hospital. The facility provides comprehensive healthcare services to the local population with its large capacity.

Reaction to Opposition Criticisms

Criticizing the opposition's objections to the project in his speech, Erdoğan said that this stance is an example of front politics built on anti-government sentiment. He noted that despite citizens' satisfaction with the service, the opposition remains the target of arrows of criticism.

Role in the Pandemic Process and Emphasis on the Coup

Reminding that city hospitals undertook critical missions during the coronavirus pandemic process, Erdoğan drew attention to Turkey's major transformation in healthcare infrastructure. In addition, touching upon the 46th anniversary of the September 12 coup in his speech, he pointed out the pains the coup inflicted on the country.