2 billion people are impoverished by health care costs

President of the World Health Tourism Council (GHTC), MP Dr. Ahmet Savaşan, In his message published on the occasion of “World Health Day”, he pointed out that ill-considered commercial, political and social decisions trigger climate and health crises.

Reminding that this year's theme of the World Health Organization (WHO) is “Health for All” Ahmet Savaşan, He emphasized that the chosen theme aims for everyone to live a healthy life in a sustainable world, in peace and prosperity.

“30 PERCENT OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION LACKS ACCESS TO BASIC HEALTH SERVICES’

Noting that health is a fundamental human right Ahmet Savaşan, “Everyone should have access to the health services they need, when they need them, without facing economic problems. However, 30 percent of the global population still lacks access to essential health services. Almost 2 billion people are impoverished by health expenditures, with serious inequalities affecting particularly vulnerable groups.’.

“‘UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE” IS POSSIBLE WITH ACCESS TO QUALITY PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES”

“Pointing out that ”universal health coverage" aims to provide access to quality primary health care services and financial protection, lifting people out of poverty and supporting the well-being of families and communities Ahmet Savaşan, emphasized that in order to achieve the goal of health for all, there is a need for individuals to have access to high quality health services to protect the health of themselves and their families, as well as an increasing number of skilled health workers who provide quality, person-centered care.

“MORE THAN 13 MILLION DEATHS ARE DUE TO PREVENTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES”

Noting that the biggest health threat facing humanity is the climate crisis Ahmet Savaşan, underlined that the climate crisis is also a health crisis. Stating that WHO reveals that more than 13 million deaths worldwide each year are caused by preventable environmental causes Ahmet Savaşan, “Too many people breathe unhealthy air from burning fossil fuels. Global warming means mosquitoes are spreading diseases more and faster than ever before. Extreme weather events, land degradation and water scarcity are displacing people and affecting their health. Pollution and plastics can now be seen at the bottom of our deepest oceans, on the highest mountains and, unfortunately, are making their way into our food chain. Systems that produce over-processed, unhealthy food and drink are triggering a wave of obesity, increasing cancer and heart disease, and accounting for a third of greenhouse gas emissions. These facts show us that ill-considered commercial, political and social decisions trigger climate and health crises.”.

“INEQUALITIES IN ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES MUST BE ELIMINATED”

Pointing out that people in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as in many parts of the world, have problems in terms of good and timely access to health services Ahmet Savaşan, He pointed out that governments and stakeholders have important roles to play in addressing inequalities in access to healthcare, helping weak and vulnerable groups and working towards a more just world.

THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS PART TOGETHER WITH 56 COUNTRIES...

Stating that it is a vital need to invest in health services both in the world and in the TRNC Ahmet Savaşan, “The goal of humanity should be to work towards a fairer world where everyone has timely access to essential health services, where health equity is promoted and poverty and hunger are eradicated. In order to achieve this goal, it seems imperative to increase cooperation both within and between countries. The Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC) will fulfill its responsibility on this issue today and tomorrow as it did yesterday by acting together with the representatives of 56 member countries to create the awareness required to achieve these goals, to increase cooperation between countries and to promote a healthy lifestyle.”.

“WE MUST STRIVE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, STARTING WITH OURSELVES”

At the end of his message, Savaşan said, “Let's appreciate our health and let's not forget that the health of society is only possible if individuals are healthy. On the occasion of this important day, I congratulate all our healthcare professionals and people on World Health Day and I wish everyone a healthy life by calling on all people to strive for the health of the society starting from themselves.”.