In the two major earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, and were felt destructively in 11 different provinces, primarily in Kahramanmaraş, according to official figures, at least 50,783 people lost their lives, and more than 120,000 people were injured. Since the first day of the earthquake, within the framework of our collaboration with Sultanbeyli Municipality, we continue to provide physical therapy and psychological support services to earthquake survivors who have come to Istanbul for treatment.
Orthosis, Prosthesis, and Medical Material Support As part of our efforts, as the Mental Health and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit of the RASAS, our field team consisting of physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses conducts visits and make assessments to provide patients with orthoses, prostheses, and medical materials they need. Throughout the process, we offer physical therapy and psychological support services to individuals under our follow-up. We continue to hold online sessions with beneficiaries who have returned to the earthquake-affected areas.
Those benefiting from our activities make up 24% of all beneficiaries.
- 286 physical therapy sessions were conducted with 59 individuals.
- 738 psychological support sessions were provided to 365 individuals.
- 267 health support sessions were conducted with 56 individuals.
- 11 speech therapy sessions were held with 11 individuals.
- 12 group therapy sessions were conducted with 55 different participants.
The Mental Health and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (consisting of physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses) conducted a total of 47 field visits as part of earthquake victim fieldwork. During these field visits, a total of 76 individuals were reached, and medical material support such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, toilet chairs, crutches, braces, and electric wheelchairs was provided to meet the needs of individuals and improve their mobility. Prosthesis initiatives were initiated for amputees who applied to the Mental Health and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit. Psychological first aid training was provided to Refugee Association staff.
As part of the ongoing activities:
- Continuation of health monitoring and individual needs analysis for individuals affected by the earthquake who are either still undergoing treatment or have been discharged from the hospital,
- Procurement of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, toilet chairs, crutches, braces, and electric wheelchairs that facilitate individuals’ daily lives and enhance their mobility based on their specific needs,
- Initiation of the adaptation process for individuals who continue attending school, work, and various aspects of social life after limb loss, and informing beneficiaries about the process,
- Commencement of rehabilitation efforts to help individuals regain independence in their daily lives and initiate the use of assistive devices following amputation,
- Minimization of problems experienced and anticipated through rehabilitation efforts,
- Enhancement of functional capacities through balance, strengthening, and mobility improvement activities.
These are the objectives and activities within the scope of the ongoing efforts.