Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Bilgen, M.D., Specialist of Orthopedics and Traumatology
During his appearance in a show broadcasted on a private television channel, Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Bilgen, M.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Private Medicabil Hospital has given information on the Coronavirus measures taken by the private hospitals in Bursa, as well as his Private Medicabil Hospital. Talking on the broadcast, which also featured Mustafa Esgin, Justice and Development Party’s Bursa PM, Prof. Dr. Bilgen, M.D. said, “We are living through difficult times, but it is one’s destiny to be the hero during trying times. We are just happened to be the heroes of this particular moment.”
In his appearance on the show – hosted by Kübra Ulutaş, and featured Dr. Feza Şen, M.D., Secretary General of the Foundation of Private Healthcare Institutions of Bursa, Spec. Dr. Fatih Özkul, M.D., Medical Director of Private Hayat Hospital, Spec. Dr. Atilla Güray, M.D., Medical Director of Doruk Healthcare Group, and Arife Açıkel, Director General of Ceylan Hospital – Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Bilgen, M.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Private Medicabil Hospital, commented on the coronavirus measures taken by the private Hospitals in Bursa. Joining the broadcast Mustafa Esgin, Justice and Development Party’s Bursa PM gave a statement on the government’s response to the pandemic across the country and in Bursa.
The Process Was Well-Managed
Emphasizing that all 20 private hospitals in Bursa have been well-prepared to deal with the coronavirus, Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Bilgen, M.D. said, “As of today, this pandemic has spread over 176 countries around the world. The only reason for our country to be one of the least affected by the pandemic is the fact that our Ministry of Health has successfully managed this process. The Ministry was quick to take the necessary measures before the first case got diagnosed and showed strong-will to enforce them. Throughout this process, the economy, the well-being of our citizens, and the quarantine protocols for the citizens coming from abroad have all been very well-managed, across the country.
Sharing his thoughts on the Ministry’s decision to declare private hospitals as “pandemic hospitals” Prof. Dr. Bilgen, M.D., said, “This decision has led us to be more precautious and act in a way that elevates preventive measures. Being a pandemic hospital has given us a great opportunity to protect our patients and their relatives. In accordance with the Ministry’s instructions, our spaces have been isolated, our clinics have been separated, and new intensive care rooms have been created under the isolation criteria. In the meantime, the methods and protocols to admit patients have been clearly defined. Our patients have been a great help for us during this period. Also, we have trained our staff per the instructions and we are continuing to carry out practices accordingly. Not only us but all hospitals have gained great experience during this time. We are going to overcome this pandemic in the best way possible. We are living through difficult times, but it is one’s destiny to be the hero during trying times. We are just happened to be the heroes of this particular moment.”
No Issues with Performing Surgeries
Stating that they are fully-prepared to perform emergency surgeries as the hospital, Prof. Dr. Bilgen, M.D. said, “It is crucial for patients over the age of 65 to stay at home. We should not panic, be careful and keep the social distance. During this period, the patients may call us or contact us via social media and ask their questions. I am urging our citizens to not delay their treatments. It is very important for them to contact us before their conditions become urgent. All private hospitals in Bursa are ready for this period. We have completed the necessary disinfection and treatment procedures. Our hospitals are safe from this perspective. There are no issues with performing surgeries during this period. We have the means to perform the urgent operations on all citizens, including those infected with the virus. All types and methods of intervention have been reviewed and verified. The procedures have been set. However, the citizens may delay operations that are not urgent or aesthetically required.”
The Risk of Infection is Very Low in the Department of Gynecology
Stating that they have been observing the rules of isolation and quarantine in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s instructions, Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Bilgen, M.D., appeased the soon-to-be-mothers. Prof. Dr. Bilgen, M.D., said “We are in contact with the authorities of other private hospitals in order to provide the citizens of Bursa with the best healthcare services. Currently, most of our hospitals have been constructed or renovated with modern technology, which offers a great degree of care with minimum issues. If we look at our own hospital, we have two blocks. We have allocated one block for our normal patients, the other for quarantine purposes. In the department of gynecology, the operating room and beds have their own floor. We have re-organized these spaces to offer a sterilized and comfortable setting for our soon-to-be-mothers. So, the risk of infection is very low in the department of gynecology.”
Pointing out that there has been a 60% decrease in the number of patients admitted since the start of the pandemic, Prof. Dr. Bilgen, M.D., said, “Our citizens should stay at home during this period, and we do not admit cases unless they are urgent. I think that this process is being overseen by very smart people with great results in terms of economics and healthcare. Had the healthcare management bad, the economic results would have been very negative. Although our admission rate has decreased, our duty here is to persevere. Our government sees and acknowledges our current issues. I believe that they will not abstain from helping us if we are faced with serious problems. They have already announced an economic package, they have started sending some of the subsidies, the necessary steps are being taken. We are at the frontlines; it is our duty to ensure the health and safety of our public.
Taking Advantage of the Situation is not Ethical
Addressing the recent news suggesting that the fast diagnosis kits have been used for profit by private hospitals, Prof. Dr. Bilgen, M.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Private Medicabil Hospital, concluded his statement as follows, “The idea that the private hospitals are deeply occupied with making money is not accurate. First of all, as the physicians and healthcare professionals, our upbringing does not reflect that position. Our government pays the prices of these tests. It is not right to take advantage of the fear of our citizens in these trying times. Such a thing is not ethical thing to do for a physician. I do not believe there is a single healthcare provider engaging in such activities.”
Source:Medicabil