Research Information System
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON WAR STUDIES , Ankara, Turkey, 29 - 30 October 2021, pp.130-131
ABSTRACT
The period from the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 to Turkey's Peace
Operation in 1974 did not bring the expected peace for the Island Turks. The process, which
started with the events called Bloody Christmas on December 21, 1963, became more
difficult for the Turkish Cypriots day by day. In this period, one of the most important needs
of the Island Turks was undoubtedly health services. Shortly after the Bloody Christmas,
Turkey sent relief items, including medical supplies, to Cyprus by plane. A 100-bed Red
Crescent Hospital is established and a team of 5 physicians, 10 nurses and 4 technicians is
assigned here. The materials needed by the hospital were provided in 15 parties. These aids
have continued to increase over the years in line with the needs. Wounded and patient Turks,
who could not be treated in Cyprus, were transported to Turkey by sea and air. Those who
could not be treated in Turkey were sent to United Kingdom. In 1968, in addition to internal
and external examination and treatment services at the Red Crescent First Aid Hospital,
Turkish Cypriots were served in radiology and biochemistry laboratories. 306 patients were
hospitalized and treated. After the typhoon disaster that occurred in Paphos in 1969, Turkey
stood by the Turkish Cypriots. In the same year, it was decided not to perform surgery or
surgical intervention in the absence of the necessary anesthesia personnel in the operating
rooms. In 1970, there was a significant increase in the number of patients brought to Turkey.
In 1971, the 32nd Group Red Crescent Health Committee started to work on the island.
Another important issue that was dealt with in 1972 was tuberculosis disease among Turks.
The 39th medical team started their duty on 29 June 1972. Apart from hospital services,
another service of Turkey was to open a Blood Center on the Island. In 1973, courses were
organized for volunteers called “Blue Angels”. During this period of about 10 years,
outpatient services were provided to 40,655 patients in Kızılay's hospital. The number of
hospitalized patients was 4,916. The number of operated patients is 2,674. As a result of all
these efforts and workings, it would not be wrong to say that a well-functioning hospital and
blood center system was established in 1974.