Health Minister Memişoğlu: 5,000 organ transplants are performed annually in Turkey

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu spoke at the "Transplantation'24" conference organized by the Turkey Coordination Association for Organ Transplants, highlighting the significance of the surgical profession and advancements in organ transplantation.

Memişoğlu announced, "Currently, in Turkey, there are 76 kidney, 52 liver, 15 heart, and 2 lung transplant centers performing over 1,700 liver transplants and a total of 5,000 transplants annually. Turkey has become a global transplant center with cross-transplantations, which are not feasible in many places around the world. This achievement comes from great dedication and effort. I am grateful to everyone involved."

He emphasized the necessity of producing technology in healthcare, stating, "Turkey must innovate not only in healthcare services but also in science and technology. We need to present new concepts. We are striving for this to manage health information and gain economic and social power. I'm confident that the idealistic younger generation will surpass us."

Minister Memişoğlu noted that organ donation from cadavers is insufficient in Turkey, saying, "In a society like ours, which is highly dedicated, the low number of cadaveric donations is attributed to our inability to effectively communicate. There’s no chance for a society that believes in the value of life to refrain from donating organs."

Governor Kemal Çeber mentioned that healthcare services in the city are at a good level and will continue to improve, while Mayor Fatma Şahin acknowledged the role of physicians in supporting people during their toughest times.

Prof. Dr. Uluğ Eldegez, President of the Turkey Coordination Association for Organ Transplants (TONKKD), and Prof. Dr. Sacid Çoban, Director of GAÜN Kidney Transplant Center, presented a plaque to Minister Memişoğlu.