Turkey's top medical association calls for meeting with Health Minister after 32 doctors succumb to COVID-19

Duvar English

In a letter addressing Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Chairman Sinan Adıyaman has said that the number of doctors who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 has reached 32 and demanded a face-to-face meeting.

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“As the Turkish Medical Association Central Council, we would like to hold a face-to-face meeting with you to discuss implementations that would prevent and curb the deaths and infections in question. We are of the opinion that this information exchange is our historical responsibility on both sides,” Adıyaman said in his letter on Aug. 27.

Adıyaman said that of the 32 deceased doctors, five alone lost their lives in August. “Since our suggestions and warnings have not been paid attention to, since the necessary regulations have not been undertaken, the percentage of infected and deceased healthcare staff is unfortunately placed near the top among the other countries,” Adıyaman said.

Adıyaman said that the presence of members of the TTB Central Council as well as representatives of the TTB specialty associations in the meeting will contribute to the solution of the problems and will ensure that the process runs “in a transparent and scientific way.”

“We expect you to put the necessary effort for this meeting to be conducted as early as possible, for our losses not to increase any further,” Adıyaman said.

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