‘Healthy living’ supported by Izmir University of Economics

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and the Quality in HealthCare Association (SAGKAL) have formed a collaboration with the goal of developing new projects to enhance public health. The protocol, which will remain in effect for 3 years, was signed by IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu and SAĞKAL Chairperson, Surgeon Cüneyt Tuğrul.

The Quality in HealthCare Association, which supports early diagnosis and treatment processes in cancer and has provided free accommodation to hundreds of patients through its “Umut Evleri (Houses of Hope)” project, will collaborate with Izmir University of Economics on joint initiatives. These projects will address various public-focused issues such as increasing cancer awareness, key strategies for fighting the disease, healthy aging, psycho-social support, healthy nutrition, and educational efforts targeting disadvantaged groups.

IUE will also provide scientific and academic support to SAGKAL for events like seminars and workshops. Students from IUE's Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Vocational School of Health Services will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and make a social impact by participating in activities at the Houses of Hope.

“EDUCATION SHOULDN’T BE LIMITED TO CAMPUS”

Speaking at the protocol signing ceremony hosted by IUE, Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu emphasized that education should not be limited to the campus. Stressing the importance of providing students with real-life environments where they can interact directly with patients, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “I visited the Balçova House of Hope, which provides free services under SAGKAL, especially in terms of accommodation for cancer patients. I saw a strong infrastructure and sincere, effective work being done for patients. We thought this could also be an educational environment for our students. After all, defending health and becoming a leader in healthcare is not something learned only in classrooms. Our students need to immerse themselves in the community and understand real life. There cannot be a thick line separating life from medicine. The Houses of Hope are projects that our students must see and participate in. That’s why I see our collaboration with SAGKAL as valuable and important.”

“QUALITY HEALTHCARE IS EVERYONE’S RIGHT”

Expressing his satisfaction with the collaboration, SAĞKAL Chairperson, Surgeon Cüneyt Tuğrul said, “The Houses of Hope are a project we value deeply and are proud of. We have reached hundreds of people through them so far. These houses also function as centers for psycho-social rehabilitation. We hold yoga sessions, mandala art activities, and various courses here. We organize handicraft training, reading days, and other events. We have achieved all of this with our supporters and volunteers. Quality healthcare is everyone’s right. For that reason, we don’t limit our efforts to just the Houses of Hope. Through new initiatives in micro-learning, educational programs, and promoting healthy eating, we can develop projects under our ‘Stay Healthy’ motto. I believe that with Izmir University of Economics, we will accomplish successful and exemplary work in this area.”