Based on this information, write a new short title in English: “Resilient hospitals are essential… Take action. Now!” – BRTK

Two physician organizations, the Turkish Cypriot Medical Association (KTTB) and the Turkish Cypriot Physicians Union (Tıp-İş), pointed out that earthquake movements around the island of Cyprus have increased in recent days and asked for immediate action to prepare for earthquakes.

Drawing attention to earthquake risks in hospitals, organizations also listed the precautions they want to be taken.

Physician organizations stated that the earthquake risk is increasing day by day, but this reality is ignored by the administrators; He stated that hospitals, which are the places that will be needed most in a possible earthquake, have not yet been made earthquake resistant, and no preparations have been made for emergencies.

In 2020, the country’s largest health facility, Dr. Noting that the fire at Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital and the floods that preceded it revealed that not only the hospitals but also the healthcare system were completely unprepared for natural disasters, the Medical Association and Tip-İş said, “However, no lessons were learned from these painful events. “It is clear as day that we do not have a disaster management plan in case of a possible earthquake, and even earthquake drills are not carried out in our public and private hospitals.” he said.

In the joint statement of the two organizations, it was pointed out that the survival of the injured in the earthquake depends on health services as well as rescue efforts, and said: “Vital services such as blood transfusion, dialysis, surgery and intensive care will be required for the injured taken out from under the rubble. If the buildings where these services will be provided are to collapse in the slightest earthquake, saving those injured would be nothing more than a dream. “In addition, the collapse of hospitals and the loss or injury of healthcare workers will mean both a serious loss of trained manpower and the cessation of healthcare services.” It was said.

-“Reports showed that many hospital buildings are not earthquake resistant”

In the statement, it was stated that reports show that many hospital buildings in the country are not earthquake resistant and the following was shared:

“Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital: The buildings where the blood bank and hemodialysis units are located are among the structures with the highest risk of collapse. Despite this, it seems that these units still continue to provide service in the same dangerous buildings.

Girne Akçiçek Hospital and Cengiz Topel State Hospital: No strengthening or renovation work has been done for these hospitals, which are stated to be completely destroyed even in a minor earthquake.

This picture is not limited to public hospitals only. Private hospitals have not undergone earthquake resistance inspections and have not been prepared appropriately for any disaster scenario.

These warnings are not new. Experts state that buildings should be strengthened at every opportunity and disaster plans should be made. However, unfortunately, the government and the Ministry of Health prefer to remain silent rather than heed these warnings. We state this clearly: The price of these negligences will be heavy.”

-Steps to be taken…

In the statement, the following steps were requested to be taken immediately to prevent a possible earthquake disaster:

“1. All public and private hospitals: They should be subjected to earthquake resistance inspections, and non-resistant buildings should be strengthened urgently.

2. New buildings: Modern, earthquake-resistant new hospital buildings should be built, especially for Burhan Nalbantoğlu, Girne Akçiçek and Cengiz Topel hospitals.

3. Emergency and disaster plans: Comprehensive disaster management plans should be prepared in health facilities and these plans should be updated frequently.

4. Drills: Health workers and civil defense teams should be trained in regular drills according to earthquake scenarios.

5. Strengthening civil defense: The capacity of post-disaster response teams should be increased and their coordination with hospitals should be ensured.”

The Medical Association and Tip-Is told the authorities, “Inaction is a crime. These negligences are not only a management weakness, but will have serious consequences that will cost human lives and the loss of our educated people. The demolition of a hospital is not just a loss of a building. The destruction of that hospital means the destruction of a society’s hope and future. Taking away people’s chance of survival is an inexcusable dereliction of responsibility. Earthquake is on the way. If this negligence continues, all responsibility for a disaster turning into a disaster will fall on the shoulders of the government and the Ministry of Health, which did not heed these warnings. We warn, history and conscience continue to record these negligences. Take action. Now!” he called.