Following the 6.2 earthquake off the coast of Istanbul Silivri, the risks waiting for Megakenti continue to be discussed. The situation of both public and private health institutions is a matter of curiosity in the possible major earthquake that can cause destruction in Istanbul. After the Gölcük earthquake on August 17, 1999, the health infrastructure in Istanbul was undergoing an important transformation process in terms of earthquake resistance, while there is a concern about the family health centers (ASM) serving in apartments. A total of 85 thousand family health centers throughout Istanbul, while approximately 4 thousand 600 family physicians and family health staff work in these centers. According to statistical studies, the number of people in Istanbul is calculated as 3 thousand 187.
Most under the apartment
32 percent of the ASMs serving throughout the city served in the buildings before 1999, while 89 percent of these centers are claimed to have no earthquake resistance test. Family Medicine Employees Union (AHESEN) Chairman Dr. Ahmet Kandemir, ISTMost of the ASMs in Anbul are located in areas such as under the apartment, parking, parking, under the mosque, while these structures are resistant to earthquakes.
Structures should be strengthened
Dr. Kandemir said, “Providing health services in buildings under the risk of earthquakes is endangering the lives of both employees and citizens,” he says: “These critical centers in each neighborhood will have the first intervention points when the big Istanbul earthquake arrives. should be done. Kahramanmaraş -based February 6 earthquake was full of painful experiences. This issue should be considered as national mobilization in Istanbul and in Türkiye. “
Alternative should be offered
Union and Solidarity Union President Derya Mengücük emphasized that ASMs are strategic importance because of their service in every neighborhood and said, “In high -risk regions such as Istanbul and Izmir, ASM service is still provided in buildings where demolition is decided. Family physicians are asked to evacuate these buildings, but an alternative place should be shown by the public. ASMs, in case of possible disasters both provide the continuity of health service and respond to the emergency needs of the region, “he said.
30 new centers were built
On the other hand, according to the data of Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, more than 80 percent of health facilities as of 2024 have been made earthquake resistant transformation process already continues with the aim of making the entire health infrastructure earthquake resistant within the scope of the 2024-2028 strategic plan. Since 2016, 30 new hospital buildings have been built in Istanbul. Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Sancaktepe Prof.Dr. Dr. Feriha Öz Emergency Hospital, Yeşilköy Dr. Murat Dilmener Emergency Hospital, Kartal Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, Göztepe Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital and Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital.
Seismic isolator
In addition, seismic isolator technology is used in hospitals built above 100 bed capacity in Istanbul. This technology allows the operating room, intensive care and emergency services to continue uninterruptedly during the earthquake. The seismic insulator devices placed in the column, foundation or curtain part of the buildings, in earthquakes of 5 and above, absorb the strength of the tremor, while the theme between the earthquake and the structure provides the feature of cutting.
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