Dr. Soner Yeşilbaş: Doctors leaving for abroad are also a loss for our healthcare system

Dr. Soner Yeşilbaş addressed the recent trend of doctors leaving for abroad in his article titled 'Entrust Me to Turkish Physicians'. 

Emphasizing that the departure of doctors is also a loss for Turkey's healthcare system, Yeşilbaş stated, "Instead of importing doctors from abroad, we believe that we should fully utilize the potential of our local doctors. This will help both to strengthen our healthcare system and to remain more faithful to Atatürk's legacy."

The full text of Yeşilbaş's article is as follows;

"Every year on October 29, we celebrate the founding of the Republic of Turkey with enthusiasm. On this special day, as we commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish nation's struggle for independence, we recall his famous words once again: "Entrust me to Turkish physicians." These words reflect Atatürk's trust in and patriotism toward Turkish doctors, while also demonstrating his commitment to local and national values. In a strategically vital matter such as healthcare, it emphasizes the importance of local and national doctors to whom citizens and officials in critical positions of the country can safely entrust their health.

However, it is important to ask and reflect on the following questions today: To what extent are the sense of trust and independence expressed by Atatürk in these words being realized today? I must express with regret that the departure of our local and national doctors abroad in recent years, especially when considering the educational costs for training each doctor, causes us to question how vulnerable we are to compromises in vital areas such as science, economy, public security, and public health.

Turkey's talented doctors are its own children and are scientists respected in the international arena. However, for various reasons, they are forced to leave their country. This is a loss not only for the doctors but also for our healthcare system. Ensuring that our local doctors and scientists remain in their country and are provided with opportunities for development within the scope of their professional, social, and personal rights will contribute to the improvement of our healthcare services in both the short and long term.

Instead of importing doctors from abroad, we believe that we should fully utilize the potential of our local doctors. This will help both to strengthen our healthcare system and to remain more faithful to Atatürk's legacy.

On October 29, as we commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, let us keep in mind the importance of his words, "Entrust me to Turkish physicians." Let us increase our belief in the importance of local and national doctors in the healthcare sector and carry Turkey toward a healthier future. Happy 100th anniversary of our Republic."

News Source: 12punto