Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Holds ‘Common Mind’ Meetings to Boost Public Health Initiatives
Ankara, February 8 – The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) has initiated a series of ‘common mind’ meetings with district municipalities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance and expand its public health services. These comprehensive discussions aim to foster collaboration and a shared understanding in addressing various health-related challenges across the city.
Expanding the Network for Public Health Solidarity
During the meetings with district municipalities, key areas such as ambulance and patient transfer services, addiction combat, community health, occupational health and safety, and environmental health services were thoroughly reviewed. These discussions focused on optimizing current operations and identifying new avenues for cooperation.
The meeting with NGOs saw the participation of 25 organizations, including notable entities like LÖSEV (Foundation for Children with Leukemia), the Red Crescent, the Public Health Specialists Association (HASUDER), and the Ankara Family Physicians Association. Topics of discussion included awareness and preventive health campaigns for special days and weeks designated by the Ministry of Health, potential joint project areas, strengthening internal coordination, and proposals for public health activities in 2026.
“Expanding Common Sense to Produce More Effective Work”
Mümtaz Yavuz, Head of the ABB Health Affairs Department, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration in public health during his address. “The significant days and weeks recognized by the World Health Organization, celebrated simultaneously worldwide, are not merely calendar reminders; they are invaluable opportunities to re-evaluate our collective responsibility towards community health,” Yavuz stated.
He further elaborated, “As the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, we approach health not solely through curative services, but with a preventive, protective, and awareness-based understanding. We firmly believe that our most robust partners in this endeavor are our non-governmental organizations and district municipalities. The fundamental purpose of our gathering here today is to expand our common understanding in the field of health, forge a stronger alliance, and generate more impactful initiatives for our fellow citizens in Ankara.”
NGOs Emphasize the Importance of Collaboration
Representatives from participating NGOs also underscored the significance of collaborative efforts. Dr. Emre Ömer Keleş, President of the Ankara Family Physicians Association, highlighted the value of working with local governments. “We frequently collaborate with local governments in our Family Health Centers. Being able to engage in joint cooperation is extremely valuable for us. Municipalities can support us with many of our issues because Family Health Centers are institutions managed by their own physicians, and the support we receive in these areas is very precious. Moreover, by working together, local governments and family physicians can reach wider audiences to improve health,” said Dr. Keleş.
Dr. Ahu Eser Eset, Vice President of the Ankara Chamber of Dentists, added, “We have undertaken very successful public health projects with the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. We will be delighted to collaborate on new projects as well.”
The ‘common mind’ meetings signify a proactive approach by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality to foster a more integrated and effective public health system, leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to better serve the community.
Source: haberton.com
