Turkish Medical Association forms coronavirus committee after Iran deaths

Duvar English

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has formed a committee of experts to oversee preventative measures against the coronavirus outbreak that has killed twelve in neighboring Iran as of Feb. 24.

Five citizens who were quarantined in the southeastern province of Van tested negative for coronavirus, the association said in a Feb. 23 press release.

The TTB also noted the importance of developing the resources for Turkey's university hospital labs and community clinics so that they will also be able to process coronavirus testing kits.

A call to the Health Ministry

The Turkish Medical Association noted the importance of distributing accurate information quickly in medical emergencies in order to prevent societal panic, and called on the Health Ministry to take action.

"We believe it's valuable for the Health Ministry to cooperate with local governments to widely inform the public about preventative measures," said the press release.

The Medical Association also noted the information they received from risk areas indicated a shortage of protective gear, and called on the ministry to satisfy this deficit.

"Since physicians and health professionals are in the highest risk group in terms of contacting potential patients, the stock of medical equipment must swiftly be enforced," the statement said.

Turkey has closed crossings at the Turkish-Iranian border and has suspended flights between the two countries following the spread of the coronavirus in the neighboring nation.