The 71st World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) started in Geneva.
Turkey is represented by a delegation headed by Prof. Dr. Eyup Gumus, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health.
Addressing to the General Assembly, Prof. Dr. Eyup Gumus, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, underlined that health was the most fundamental human right without comparison and there were still millions of people who could not access to the health services.
Gümüş stated that a health system built on sustainable financing, qualified manpower and strong infrastructure could only be ensured through political determination and added that “Based on this understanding, Turkey has been implementing a successful health system reform as of 2002. We increased efficiency of the primary healthcare services through the community-based approach. We also made great achievements in secondary healthcare services. Turkey is ready to share, with all countries, her experiences in the field of health reforms.”
The Undersecretary also expressed that 98% of the Turkish citizens was covered with the general health insurance and such costly treatments as cancer were covered by the state and big-scale city hospitals were constructed with PPP model.
“Turkey will continue supporting the Palestinians.”
Expressing his condolences for the 65 Palestinians who were killed during the last Israeli attacks, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Gümüş stated that restrictions were still imposed even though there were urgent medicine, medical equipment and bed needs for 3 thousands persons.
Underlining that restrictions were inhuman and unacceptable, the Undersecretary said that “Turkey is making every effort for transfer of the patients and provision of the medical supplies. However, we encounter with the restrictions of the occupying state and some neighbor countries. I invite the WHO and UN agencies not to remain silent towards the suffering people in Gaza. Turkey will maintain her unwavering support for the Palestinians.”