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Ombudsman Institution

6. Public Information and Communication Measures

Since the very beginning of the pandemic, Türkiye has been successfully
managing the crisis by continuously informing the citizens. The Scientific
Board held meetings at least twice a week and provided its recommendations
to the government. These recommendations have been evaluated in terms of
administrative aspects and turned into Presidential decision at the Cabinet
meetings. The decisions taken were communicated to the relevant Ministries
and institutions, particularly to the Ministry of Health.

In order to provide information regarding the positive cases, treatment
procedures etc., the Ministry of Health has regularly shared the latest situation
about the pandemic. The Minister of Health, himself, held press conferences at
least twice or three times a week to warn the citizens against the pandemic and
to stress the importance of obeying the rules. He also transparently answered
the questions of the press members during these meetings.
The President himself contacted the infected patients who were under
treatment through internet. The Turkish citizens who live abroad and couldn’t
be given sufficient treatment though their condition was serious were brought
back to Türkiye by private jet, and treated properly.
7. Moral Support Activities

In the fight against the pandemic, it is of utmost importance for the
administration to gain trust of citizens in terms of decisions and measures
taken so that the crisis is successfully managed and the negative effects of the
pandemic are easily eliminated.

In this regard, the domestic production of medical supplies such as
ventilators, masks, overalls, etc., as well as completion of the construction of
new hospitals have implied that there won’t be any deficiencies in meeting the
needs of medical supplies and the healthcare system will effectively function,
which has been a relief for citizens.

In addition, uninterrupted public services provided by all Ministries and
the institutions throughout the pandemic have boosted the morale of the
citizens and increased their confidence in the administration.

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