Earthquake Response


Dr Dursun coordinated all child and adolescent psychiatry and rare disease services in Earthquake Region after the first day of one of the deadliest Earthquakes of the world which happened in Southern


Telehealth Services

In response to the earthquake, the online system originally developed during the pandemic to support children with autism was reactivated on February 14 to assist all earthquake-affected children. The system provides 24/7 support, where operators connect families with 286 volunteer child and adolescent mental health experts from across the country. Online video consultations are conducted at scheduled appointment times, with approximately 200 sessions, each lasting at least 30 minutes, taking place daily.

Since its reactivation on February 14, 2023, the system has registered over 3,000 users. Additionally, face-to-face health services and medication provisions have been arranged for dozens of children in need

Field Teams

The Ministry of Health's field teams have been instrumental in addressing the medication needs of children in the earthquake-affected regions. In areas such as Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, İskenderun, Adıyaman, Elbistan, and Malatya, over 30 child and adolescent psychiatry units were deployed to provide essential mental health services.

These services were delivered through various platforms, including:

  • Tent clinics
  • Container clinics
  • Ship clinics
  • Mobile units

 

Unaccompanied children

One of the most heartbreaking outcomes of the earthquake was the situation of children who were brought to hospitals without an accompanying adult. To support these unaccompanied children, services were provided in coordination with the deputy governors of each affected city. In this effort, mental health support has been offered to over 1900 unaccompanied children.

 

Support for SMA and Rare Disease Patients

Following the disaster, 120 SMA patients were contacted by phone. Information was provided to those who relocated to other provinces about the Nusinersen Centers available to them. Assistance was also provided to ensure their continued treatment, with medications redirected to their new centers.

In coordination with SABİM, communication was established with 206 patients with other rare diseases who were affected by the earthquake. In this context, the following requests have been addressed:

  • Shelter, food, clothing, and financial support
  • Medication, medical devices, supplies, and vaccines
  • Medical examinations and treatments (appointments, applications to institutions, etc.)
  • Home care and on-site services