İSTANBUL - Stating that they still have not received a response to their applications to the Provincial Health Directorate to provide health services in earthquake areas, ITO President Nergis Erdoğan said: "Medical Chambers should not be blocked."

The Istanbul Medical Chamber (ITO) held a press conference in its buildings in Cağaloğlu regarding the earthquake that affected 10 cities affected by the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes in Maraş. Many physicians participated in the statement, in which the banner "We are evaluating the health services in the earthquake disaster" was hung. Making a statement at the meeting, ITO Chairperson Nergis Erdoğan said that although they have informed the Provincial Health Directorate that they are ready for all kinds of health services since the first day, they have not received a response.

'THE MEDICAL CHAMBERS SHOULD NOT BE PREVENTED'

Stating that the declaration of the State of Emergency (OHAL) was a practice that exceeded its purpose, Erdoğan continued: “The declaration of the State of Emergency, which brings restriction of freedoms and rights of the authorities instead of the sufficient declaration of disaster, is a political and exceeding purpose. Problems cannot be solved with the state of emergency and restrictions on social media. Since people's needs such as shelter, nutrition and protection from the cold directly concern their health, the Medical Chambers should not be prevented in the delivery of medical supplies and manpower as well as the support that will provide these services."