PROPOSED SUPPORT TO GAZIANTEP AMERICAN HOSPITAL

UNCLAS ANKARA 005819

SIPDIS

FOR USAID - DCHA/PVC - ASHA: GEORGE LIKE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID TU
SUBJECT: PROPOSED SUPPORT TO GAZIANTEP AMERICAN HOSPITAL

REF: STATE 175490


1. Embassy Ankara strongly supports the reftel proposal to
provide a $600,000 ASHA grant to Gaziantep American Hospital.
Embassy's evaluation of Gaziantep American Hospital is keyed
to questions in reftel para 4.

a and b) Gaziantep American Hospital has a long and
well-known history as a symbol of American generosity and
support for the people of Turkey, dating back to its founding
in 1851. During most of its history it has featured American
doctors. The former Regional Medical Officer (RMO)
responsible for Turkey described the hospital as "a citadel
of great potential for reaching out and serving a region of
Turkey lacking in decent (western standard) health care."
The hospital includes a medical education center and features
extensive outreach programs.

c) The former RMO conducted an extensive tour of the hospital
in June 2004. He was impressed by the physical layout of the
hospital and the professionalism of the staff. He was
especially impressed by the hospital's medical director and
demonstrated his confidence in the hospital by referring
difficult cases to the hospital, including one medevac from
Kirkuk, Iraq.

d) Turkey's health care system provides uneven care and
suffers from chronic underfinancing. Southeast Turkey, where
the Gaziantep American Hospital is located, is underdeveloped
and medical care is poor. Turkey's medical universities
provide outstanding training for doctors and specialists, and
medical services in the big cities and for middle and upper
class Turks is generally very good. However, medical care
outside of the big cities and in the underdeveloped regions
of Turkey is of poorer quality. Providing modern medical
technology for the Gaziantep American Hospital will
demonstrate the long-term commitment of the United States to
Turkey and its people. Embassy would showcase the donation,
perhaps including the participation of the Ambassador and the
consulate in nearby Adana.


2. Embassy would be pleased to answer any questions. POC is
Economics Officer Kurt Donnelly. donnellykd@state.gov.
EDELMAN