International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation

IBC PROVIDED A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO SOLVE THE HEALTH PROBLEMS OF EARTHQUAKE AFFECTED GOLCUK TOWN-TURKEY

International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation (IBC) are continuing its substantial support to reduce the suffering of the earthquake affected people of Marmara Region-Turkey. The Health Center constructed in Yazlik Golcuk by support of Malteser has been submitted to the Turkish Health Ministry through a ceremony organized in Yazlik on 20^th July 2004.
All prominent officials and inhabitants of Yazlik attended the ceremony of submission of Health Center.	Mr.Baca focused his speech on the collaboration between the communities and NGO's.
The Governor of Izmit Ahmet Arabacıoglu, the Mayor of Golcuk Mr. Mehmet Ellibes, Yazlik Mayor Mr. Sabahattin Ersoy, Golcuk Health Ministry Director Mr. Ekrem Aktug and the regional Deputy in the Turkish Parliament Mr. Nevzat Dogan were present at the ceremony. The place for the construction has been allocated by the Mayor of Yazlik. The Health Center will serve the needs of 3000 inhabitants of the Yazlik country. Yazlik has got huge immigration after the earthquake and the need for a health center was substantial. The population of Yazlik was 1460 just before the August 17 1999 earthquake. The Ministry of Health staffed the Yazlik Health Center with two doctors and three nurses and two assisting staff. The Center is equipped by Malteser and IBC with all facilities for the first aid and first intervention to all illnesses. The Health Center has six rooms for medical intervention. All infrastructures have been provided by the Municipality of Yazlik as a contribution.
A big crown of local inhabitants attended the ceremony. Izmit Mentally Challenged Center Folkloric Group has performed local dances and proved their ağabeylities by the best. Muzaffer Baca, the Vice President of IBC, at the opening speech stated the importance of solidarity of international NGO's in order to settle the problems of the disaster affected people worldwide. Mr. Baca stated the importance of the contribution of the local people too and said that such a local contribution will encourage NGO's for more cooperation for the settlement of poverty problems of the community.nity. Mr. Sid Peruvemba, Head of Foreign Operation of Malteser, pointed the same issues and praised the hospitality he has seen in Turkey during his visits after the earthquake.	Mr. Sid Peruvemba (Malteser) expressed his thanks for the hospitality of Turkish people.
Mr. Peruvemba reminded that at first time people in Germany applied to contribute for the earthquake in Turkey before any official call and campaign. He said that it shows the power of relationship between the two nations.ions. Governor of Izmit Mr. Arabaci promised to support all such activities of the local and international NGO2s and said that the civil society became as the main tool of the development. Deputy of Izmit Dr Nevzat Dogan, praised the contribution Malteser has done and stated that the Turkish State gives priority to the civil organizations and is keen to establish a beneficial cooperation with them for the benefit of the Turkish community and democracy. Mayor of Yazlik Sabahattin Ersoy on his behalf and his community expressed their deep appreciation for the contribution of the Health center. A protocol for the operation and sustainability of the Center has been signed between IBC and Ministry of Health and the Ministry obliged to provide the staff and undertake the operational costs for the center.
	Added: 22/07/2004