Health policy of Republic Period and struggle with syphilis (1923-1950)

Significant social events that deeply affect human history have been wars, contagious and epidemic diseases. Because of the location that Anatolian territories connect three continents one another, Anatolia was exposed to many battles, wars and infectious and epidemic diseases within the historical process. Plague, cholera, small pox, typhus, tuberculosis, trachoma, malaria, syphilis and contagious diseases that affect Anatolian people deeply and cause serious health problems came into prominence. Three major Turkish states which were established in the lands we are living tried to find specific solution methods for health problems. Because the main subject of our thesis is about syphilis, it is also mentioned in details. After the exploration of America in 1492, syphilis that spread to Europa did not affect our country due to having less connections with Europa. But then, this disease started to spread in Ottoman territories epidemically. It has been thought that jews who were deported from Spain brought this disease to Ottoman territories for the firs time. First serious epidemics syphilis began to be seen in the lands of Ottoman after the war of Ottoman-Russian in 19th century. Then, the state established healthcare organizations by taking precautions and dispensaries, hospitals were opened for people who were infecdet. Here, they got treatments. It was tried to be taken precautions againts to ongoing epidemics et pre-republic, for that purpose, Ministry of health and welfare was established on May 2, 1920. With the proclamation of the republic, health issue was adressed as anational case and Ministry dealt with finding solution to health problems. In this period, health policy of the government was establishing a national health organization, closing the gap of doctors and health personel and struggling with epidemic diseases. Gazi Mustafa Kemal played a major role in the field of health studies. During the opening speeches of Turkish Grand National Assembly, he touched on the significance of health issues for creating a healthy generation. He also appointed Dr. Refik Saydam to Ministry of Health and Welfare.