COVID unveiled cracks in health system: Turkish expert

ANKARA

Ahead of World Health Day, a Turkish health expert said the COVID-19 pandemic has once again unveiled the inequalities in accessibility to medical treatment globally.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Dr. Tuba Durgut, who is also vice chair of the health commission of Turkish parliament, said she dreams of a world where there is equitable access to health.

"Naturally the pandemic has taken to the forefront public health agenda in our country and across the world," Durgut said.

Noting that health systems globally were not ready for a pandemic, Durgut stressed the injustices in global vaccine supply.

"Rich countries lead the way in vaccine supply thanks to their financial means. However, others such as African states lack access to vaccine supply."

"As a welfare state, citizens in Turkey are covered by a universal healthcare policy through which they can receive free-of-cost treatment for COVID-19 and vaccines. Also in our favor are ample hospital bed capacity -- a crucial element for fighting the pandemic."

She said behavioral determinants such as a healthy diet, physical activity, smoking and use of alcohol are important in boosting immunity against diseases.

She also praised health workers who worked on the frontline against the pandemic.

"Many health care workers died in this battle. It was fitting to declare 2021 as the year of healthcare professionals."

At a workshop held on cancer control recently, she said the use of tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths and diseases.

"First of all, tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. Secondly, we should very well understand and be aware of the role of multi-national tobacco companies in spreading this epidemic. Finally, we have evidence-based methods to help us achieve our goal in this fight, we only need to put effort towards implementing them."