Turkish Medical Association: No epidemic can be prevented with individual efforts

Photo: Fatoş Erdoğan

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The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has said that "We will continue to remind those who blame citizens and lay the burden on doctors and health workers of their historical responsibility." 

The association launched a campaign titled, "You can't manage, we are burning out" (#YönetemiyorsunuzTükeniyoruz) to draw attention to increasing Covid-19 cases. As part of the campaign between September 14 and 18, health workers held demonstrations in front of healthcare institutions and city squares in various provinces. 

Tomorrow (September 17), provincial medical chambers will hold commemoration events for the health workers who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

"We find the way of management of the Covid-19 pandemic to date inadequate and worrying. We expect announcements of urgent, inclusive and convincing programs on outbreak measures, outbreak budget, outbreak coordination, outbreak planning from authorized persons and institutions that govern the country," said the statement.

The association said that all political parties should take action before the opening of the parliament and work in cooperation.

"We demand the Ministry of Health form the 'Covid-19 cooperation and joint work assembly' together with all healthcare professional chambers, healthcare unions and associations, especially the TTB.

"No epidemic can be prevented by citizens' individual efforts. The Ministry of Health should make Provincial Public Hygiene Councils functional and include all mass democratic organizations and civil society organizations, especially municipalities and city councils.

"We request that primary healthcare services should be reorganized with a public perspective, the Family Health Centers to be defined with their assets and employees as 'public health centers'." (AS/VK)