Turkey’s response to #COVID-19 and the role of the private sector

Cases of COVID-19 are increasing exponentially in Europe and the United States, presenting serious public health and economic risks. As the outbreak spreads, it is increasingly clear that the private sector has a substantial role to play in changing the disease’s trajectory. As such, businesses across Turkey have been mobilizing their expertise and industrial capacity to produce critical medical supplies and other products essential to mitigate the effects of the virus, writes  DEiK’s Turkey Serbia Business Council Chairman Bayram Akgül.  

As cases rise and our public services experience increased strain, companies will need to focus on how they can assist their domestic public health efforts to keep people safe. Many Turkish companies have already taken important steps in this direction – but I call on the entire private sector, across Europe, to add national health to their “bottom line”.

At Turkcell, the largest mobile phone operator in Turkey, we have been playing our part by working closely with the government to disseminate urgent information to a national audience. This campaign of mass communication has seen millions receive automated messages to their mobile phones with important updates to stay indoors and practice good hygiene. This is a vital service that has ensured public health messages reach older citizens who are less likely to be online.

Many other companies in Turkey have also been contributing to our national efforts. Kale Group has overseen the use of smart hygiene products, such as nano silver ion technology, to disinfect their workplaces and offices. This technology creates durable covering to keep bacteria off surfaces and guarantee safer and longer lasting protection for our employees. They have further increased our supply of industrial and domestic products for distribution across Turkey.

Arçelik, a leading white goods and household appliances manufacturer, has started making respirators, following calls by the ministry of health to begin mass production of the devices. Respirators are essential pieces of medical equipment and a last resort to combat the virus for those who are in critical condition.

Where possible, we have also been assisting communities across Europe. In recent weeks, we deployed medical supplies to support European countries in their responses, including shipping diagnostic kits from China and other countries with a surplus of supplies. Turkey’s government has shown solidarity with Spain and Italy, two of the hardest hit countries in Europe, announcing on 30 March that it would deliver medical supplies via sea and air to support their response. We recognise that we can only overcome this challenge by working together, as partners, to keep our populations safe.

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