The legacy of village institutes in the field of health was discussed in Nilüfer

A discussion was held in collaboration with Nilüfer Municipality, New Generation Village Institutes Association (YKKED) Bursa Branch, and Bursa Medical Chamber, remembering İsmail Hakkı Tonguç, one of the intellectual architects of village institutes. The discussion focused on Tonguç’s vision and the impact of village institutes on public health.

The event, which took place at Nilüfer Municipality Dr. Ceyhun İrgil Health Museum, was attended by Nilüfer Deputy Mayor Okan Şahin, Bursa Medical Chamber President Dr. Kadir Binbaş, representatives of non-governmental organizations, academics, doctors, and teachers. At the discussion, Prof. Dr. Hilmi Uysal, one of the authors of the book ‘Village Institutes with Health Axis’ from Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Neurology Department, discussed the role of village institutes’ innovative educational model in the field of health.

‘Health literacy insufficient’

Speaking at the opening of the event, Nilüfer Deputy Mayor Okan Şahin emphasized the importance of village institutes in education and health, stating, ‘In the 1940s, when the literacy rate was below 5%, today even health literacy has improved. However, this is not sufficient, health literacy is still at the level of second grade primary school.’ Şahin mentioned that İsmail Hakkı Tonguç noticed the deficiencies in the health field and ensured that education on immunity, hygiene, and health was provided at village institutes, stating that the students trained there contributed to the improvement of living conditions in villages. Şahin concluded his speech by commemorating İsmail Hakkı Tonguç on the 64th anniversary of his passing.

Dr. Kadir Binbaş, President of Bursa Medical Chamber, stated that since the 1940s, village institutes have played an important role in the dissemination of health services. Binbaş said, ‘Village institutes aimed to both disseminate health services and increase public health awareness. However, despite the development of health services in Turkey today, misconceptions persist among the public.’

Jülide Akköprü, President of YKKED Bursa Branch, expressed that as an association, they are open to carrying the legacy of village institutes to the present day and collaborating to benefit the community.

‘Village institutes provided solutions to health problems’

Prof. Dr. Hilmi Uysal emphasized that village institutes not only provided education but also offered solutions to health problems. Uysal highlighted, ‘In the early years of the Republic, the number of doctors, nurses, and health personnel was very limited. Village institutes played a significant role in solving the problems in this field. İsmail Hakkı Tonguç saw health issues as an important matter to be resolved. In every village institute, there were doctors, nurses, and health officers. Additionally, students were receiving education and practical training there. In the education at the institutes, doctors were teaching, providing contemporary health knowledge to students. This contributed to the training of health personnel at that time and the delivery of health services to villages.’

At the end of the discussion, Prof. Dr. Hilmi Uysal also answered the participants’ questions.