Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca welcomed 68 Gazan patients and 61 companions, who were taken from Egypt's Al-Arish Airport by a plane belonging to the Ministry of National Defense and brought to Türkiye for treatment, at Etimesgut Airport.
Koca met with paramedics, chatted with the patients, most of whom were children, and accompanied the patients during the process of being taken to the ambulances.
In his statement to the press, Minister Koca said that a total of 68 patients were brought and added, "Among the 68 transferred patients, 37 are babies and children, and 31 are adult patients. 4 of the 68 patients are patients with cancer. The others are mainly patients with traumas, orthopedic problems and wounds.”
Stating that the patients would be transferred to Etlik and Bilkent City Hospitals, Koca continued his words as follows:
"There have been 114 patients transferred so far, and with the 68 patients that came, we have 182 patients now. A total of 359 people were brought including the companions. We have lost 2 patients so far. Currently, 6 of the patients are in intensive care. The condition of those 2 patients in intensive care is serious and they are intubated. One of the patients is being followed up with a diagnosis of breast cancer and another one with stomach cancer. One is 63 years old and the other one is 70 years old."
Preparations for establishing the field hospital have begun
Upon the question regarding the latest situation for the establishment of the field hospitals, Minister Koca reminded that three locations were previously examined for this purpose but were not found suitable.
Koca said, "As the fourth region, we found the location closer to the Rafah Border Gate suitable. It was also approved by both Egypt and Israel. Preparations for establishing the field hospital have begun.”
"There may be more patient transfers in the upcoming period”
Being reminded that the 5th evacuation of Gazan patients was made today, Koca was asked about the next transfer process and he replied:
"There will probably be a patient transfer at the beginning of the week, Monday or Tuesday. We have entered a period where healthcare services cannot be provided any more in Gaza. Therefore, there may be more patient transfers in the upcoming period. Our tripartite coordination team is working on this, which means that the coordination team formed by Israel, Egypt and Türkiye continues intensively for the transfers."
Little Rital with wounded legs is also in Türkiye
Minister Koca also answered the question about whether among the patients brought today is a girl named Rital, known for her images on social media, who was wounded in Israeli air strikes and is in danger of having her legs amputated if an intervention is not carried out, as follows:
"Among the patients who came today, we also have Rital. Rital could have both legs amputated and has open wounds and tissue losses. We will also be following Rital closely."