15,000-20,000 People Receive Healthcare from Containers in Hatay, No Toilets

The Turunçlu and Harbiye family health centers in Defne district are still operating from containers on the 44th month after the February 6, 2023 earthquake. Dr. Ahmet Mehlepçi, General Chair of the Unity and Solidarity Union, visited the region and reported on the conditions faced by healthcare workers.

According to Mehlepçi, approximately 15,000-20,000 people receive healthcare from containers at a five-unit facility. Neither center has toilet facilities; a pregnant nurse must walk 200 meters to access a toilet, crossing a heavily trafficked road.

"Our colleagues are forced to work burning in the summer heat and freezing in the winter cold," Mehlepçi said, emphasizing that earthquake-affected healthcare workers continue to perform their duties under these conditions.

Much of the family health center infrastructure established in Hatay before the earthquake was destroyed. Permanent structure construction has not been completed in the nearly four-year period since.