Minister Memişoğlu in Aksaray: Good News for a 300-Bed Hospital and a Health Warning

Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu arrived in Aksaray within the scope of field visits under the Century of Türkiye and conducted a series of inspections and contacts. Speaking at the press conference following the program, which began with a hospital visit, Minister Memişoğlu emphasized that the city is one of the ancient centers of civilization and possesses a cultural heritage that cultivates scholars. While detailed information about the current status of health services throughout the province and planned projects for the future was shared at the meeting, new investments and public health issues stood out on the Minister's agenda.

Minister Memişoğlu referred to the Istanbul Declaration signed in İstanbul by the World Health Organization (WHO), stating that it is a great source of pride for Türkiye to be part of this agreement. He expressed that this declaration, signed with the participation of 40 countries, stemmed from Türkiye's superior health service management and infrastructure, particularly exemplified by the February 6 earthquakes, to the world. The Minister added that the great dedication of healthcare workers during the earthquake process was received with appreciation in the international arena and that this success was crowned with a declaration by the World Health Organization.

Memişoğlu gave the good news of important investments aimed at strengthening Aksaray's health infrastructure, announcing that new plans are being prepared in addition to the existing 800-bed training and research hospital in the city. He stated that the projects for the 300-bed hospital planned to be built in the center have been completed and the target is to start construction activities within six months at the latest. In addition to this hospital, which is expected to enter service at the beginning of 2027, he announced that the new hospital project in the Eskil district has reached the tender stage and that a new hospital plan is being made for Ortaköy.

Minister Memişoğlu drew attention to the fact that health facilities should be used actively not only for treating diseases but also for protecting health, calling upon the public to be sensible. Memişoğlu wanted citizens to apply to the Ministry not only when they are sick but also to protect their health, stating that family health centers and healthy living centers offer important opportunities in this regard. Emphasizing the risks posed by the fact that 65% of the society is overweight and a sedentary lifestyle, he shared the details of the 'Learn your movement age, live healthy' campaign launched to prevent this situation.

In the final part of his speech, the Minister pointed out the success of the physical activity campaign to which 1 million 200 thousand people were directed, reminding that support from dietitians, psychologists, and physiotherapists should be utilized free of charge. He expressed that free health services such as preventive dentistry and cancer screenings continue to be offered to citizens, and that the most important goal is to take precautions before diseases emerge. Minister Memişoğlu, emphasizing that the investments made in Aksaray are an indicator of the quality of health services across Türkiye and that services serving as a model to the world in the health field will continue under the leadership of the President, concluded his speech.