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Ombudsman Institution

In this respect, it would be beneficial to evaluate the administrative measures
and studies carried out in the process of combating the pandemic in terms of
the principles of good administration.

Considering other countries’ response to the outbreak, Türkiye’s response
to COVID-19 should be considered successful. This success can be attributed
to two main reasons, first, the structure of state administration and the strong
traditions that exist in the concept of the state. The second one is being
prepared for the pandemic and having experience in crisis management.

Throughout history, the Republic of Türkiye has never considered humans
and human health as something that is individual. It has not regarded the issue
of health as part of economic policies, but as the primary duty of the state. The
fact that it sees human health as its most important task, and it combines its
strong government will with its rapid management ability has been the main
reason why the response has been successful.

It is a reality that the Republic of Türkiye has experienced many crises ever
since it was founded. Wars, coups, coup attempts, constant earthquakes across
the country, floods, avalanches, and pandemics... Türkiye has gained experience
in combating such crises and its institutional infrastructure is well-prepared in
this sense. For example, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority
(AFAD) has been organized and strengthened as an independent institution
in recent years. The Red Crescent is constantly active and operating. As an
administrative structure, there is a system of provincial representatives that
can manage crises from the center. Each province and district can immediately
implement the measures taken at the center under the chairmanship of
Governors and District Governors. The administrative structure and well-
prepared institutional structures are the reason for the coordinated and rapid
implementation. Within this framework, we can evaluate the measures
implemented in the response to the pandemic in terms of good administration
under the following headings:
2.1. Preparedness

The fact that Türkiye made preparations two months before the outbreak
came to Türkiye and its already-existing relevant institutions were put on full

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