The plans were unveiled to the
public at a meeting of the International Anatolia Health Federation
(USAF) in the Kızılcahamam district of Ankara. Addressing an audience
that included renowned theologian and writer Mehmet Ali Şengül and
author Harun Tokak, the USAF chairman, Dr. Tuncay Delibaşı, reminded the
audience that many Turkish doctors are involved in selfless voluntary
work, carrying out operations and offering treatment in countries all
over the world. Delibaşı added that medical teams from Turkey have
played a particularly important role in countries such as Somalia, Kenya
and Mali, especially in the field of child care, adding that USAF is
making developments in this area all the time.
Dr. Mustafa Ahsen, a member of USAF, explained that the groups intend
to begin their endeavors in Nigeria and Kenya and that the Konya branch
of the health organization SAMEDER is currently discussing plans to
build a hospital in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Plans are also in
place to establish support and permanent services in hospitals in both
Somalia and Libya. Ahsen added that medical workers in Turkey have
chosen, as many Turkish teachers have done, to establish permanent and
long-lasting links with Africa, adding that Turkish doctors have already
made notable contributions to the Nizamiya Hospital.
The meeting concluded with comments from USAF General Coordinator
Hasan Dost, who thanked USAF members for their support and said that
increasing numbers of doctors and nurses from Turkey are choosing to
leave the country and offer permanent services to countries in need.